Parent Talk

By Laurie Mellas

UNM sporting events and recreational activities offer an inexpensive way for parents to spend time with their students. Athletics Marketing Manager Lisa Romero and Recreational Services Coordinator Eric Boeglin presented the topic at the Aug. 4 Parent Talk.
Students are admitted to most athletic events free. Discounted group and individual tickets are available for parents and extended family. Lobo football is on the horizon and students can purchase up to four general guest tickets for $10 each. Many UNM parents are faculty or staff and will have access to "two for one" season ticket packages.
"The Mountain West is getting a lot of attention with Utah having gone to a bowl game," Romero shares, adding that Coach Mike Locksley is taking the field for his first UNM season, also a draw.
In the 1980s, Romero says students packed athletic events. She sees a similar trend emerging led by student groups such as the "Howlraisers."
Football may be in the air, but basketball is not far behind. The Pit is undergoing a $60 million renovation scheduled for completion in fall 2010. UNM's winning baseball team takes the field at the amenity-rich Isotopes Park. UNM's swim team shows its stuff in Johnson Center's newly renovated Olympic pool, which reopened in March.
Visiting your student for an entire weekend? Rec Services boasts hands-on activities for students, who may bring a guest to Johnson Center for $5. Work-out with your student in a cardio room with breathtaking views of the Sandias or hit one of the eight basketball courts with the family for a game of pick-up. .
When you depart, Boeglin says, don't worry that your students will languish. Daily offerings of lobo cycling/spin bikes, yoga, hip hop and salsa dancing, pilates and boot camp will keep them active and healthy.
In addition, intramurals abound, now offered late into the evening thanks to new lights on Johnson Field. For the more experienced student athlete, club sports are an option.
Getaway Adventures this year include a fall break trip to Colorado and the ever- popular Balloon Fiesta. UNM's Outdoor and Bike Shop is open extended hours providing equipment for cross country and snow shoeing, volleyball, flag football and more. Boeglin says more than 150 students work at Rec Services. If your student is active and looking for fall employment, Rec Services might be just the ticket. .

Parent Talk is held the first Wednesday of the month in the Dean of Students Conference Room, Student Services Building, main campus. In September, hear from Director of Student Activities Debbie Morris. UNM has more than 400 student organizations - learn what's out there and how your student can get involved. The series of talks is sponsored by DOS, Parent Relations, Parent Association and Extended University. Previous talks are available for viewing online at unmlive.edu.