On Thursday September 22, 2011, Texas A&M International University Recreational Sports hosted the TAMIU Combine on the Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center grounds and allowed students to test and compare their physical abilities through a series of drills. The TAMIU Combine took place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the guidance of Aaron Garza, the Rec Center’s Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Students voluntarily ran drills modeled after the National Football League Combine which comprises a total of six drills that evaluate NFL bound athletes’ physical abilities. The drill set includes a forty yard dash, a vertical jump, a three cone drill, a bench press challenge, a broad jump, and the shuttle run. The NFL describes the different drills as a test of the athletes’ “speed”, “endurance”, “power”, “strength” and agility. The TAMIU Combine utilizes these same drills to test students’ physical abilities and provides a climate of competition.
The TAMIU Combine is a friendly competition against ones’ own performance or that of other participants. The results of participating members will be posted throughout the Rec Center where the TAMIU community will be able to see the final results. Garza claims that this public display boosts the students’ motivation to “one up each other.” Though it may be competitive, there are elements of inclusiveness in the execution of the event that promote participation and physical fitness for all.
The event was scheduled to allow as many students to participate throughout the day. “I encourage anyone to join” were Garza’s words when addressing participation eligibility which is not strictly limited to TAMIU students. “I’m trying to build this event so that it will be known … around our community … ,” he added. “We are trying to encourage people to stay fit and be healthy,” said Garza.
Students who missed out on the TAMIU Combine may still participate in student actives that Recreational Sports has planned throughout the semester as well as utilize the facilities available for daily use at the Rec Center. The Rec Center offers access to various pieces of fitness equipment including weights, treadmills, and ellipticals. Students may also attend group fitness sessions such as Zumba or Piyo or may inquire with the Rec Center staff about specialty classes such as individual personal training. For further information about the Rec Center activities, services and operating hours, visit the department website at http://www.tamiu.edu/recsports/ or call 326-2289.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/workouts
http://www.tamiu.edu/recsports/index.shtml
http://www.tamiu.edu/catalog/current/stu-svcs.shtml#rec
(For more information contact Ignacio Banda and Jorge Aviles at Ignaciobanda@dusty.tamiu.edu & Javiles@dusty.tamiu.edu)