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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Source: Travis Redeker, 785-532-6980, tredeker@k-state.edu
http://www.recservices.k-state.edu/challengecourse
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

K-STATE CHALLENGE COURSE UP AND RUNNING AFTER TORNADO; NOW PART OF RECREATIONAL SERVICES

MANHATTAN -- After sustaining $1,500 in damages from the June 11 tornado, Kansas State University's Challenge Course is now participant-ready.

The relatively new course officially opened in June 2007. It helps with team building and leadership through a series of customized challenges that test participants both physically and mentally.

The tornado left the course covered with several downed trees and debris.

The damage could have been much more severe and costly but most of the debris fell onto the trails rather than the elements, according to Travis Redeker, an assistant director of K-State recreation services. The elements are the structures designed for the challenges. Some of the elements are on the ground, while others are several feet off the ground.

Redeker said the course was closed for two weeks while repairs were made.

Previously managed by K-State's new student services, the course changed hands Aug. 1. It is now being operated by recreational services.

It is hoped that recreational services will be a better fit for running the course and that it will receive more exposure, Redeker said.

"We just took over the administration recently, so the transition is currently under way," he said. "It is an adjustment for us, but we're very excited about it."

Redeker, who was involved with a challenge course at Florida State University, said that the biggest goal for the course this year is to increase awareness.

"Because the course is so new, we need to get the word out about it," he said. "More advertising will help make more people aware and increase the number of groups that participate."

Redeker also hopes to expand the programming of the course. Currently, the course is set up for groups only. However, Redeker would eventually like to start a once-a-month sign-up for interested individuals to try out the course.

"Right now, we are just getting a handle on running things," Redeker said. "In time there will be some changes, but now we are just adopting the system."

The K-State Challenge Course is now weekdays and weekends. Special evening sessions also can be arranged. To schedule an appointment and for information on rates, call 785-532-6980 or go online to http://www.recservices.k-state.edu/challengecourse