Heth has blueprint for success as new intramural director

by John Stewart, sports editor

Ryan Heth has come a long way from his hometown in Nebraska to become the new recreational instructor for South Plains College.

Heth grew up in Omaha, Neb., which has a population of around 430,000, so he is familiar with the city life. But he liked it in Texas. He says that he “loves the atmosphere, and the people around here were very welcoming and friendly.” He has one sister who still lives in Nebraska, along with most of his family. After living in Omaha, he decided to attend Midland High School, located in Midland, Texas, where he graduated in 1999.

He then chose to attend Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. Heth received his bachelor’s degree in 2004, majoring in criminal justice and government. He also received his master’s degree in kinesiology at Angelo State while working for West Texas Boys Ranch in recreation for five years. That experience is what got him interested in re-focusing his career field.

After looking at other offers from colleges, Heth became a recreational assistant at Texas Tech University this past year and enjoyed the opportunity. That is what led him to the great opportunity to teach at SPC. He said that he likes “the smallness of college and how it would be a great place to be apart of.”

He makes the drive from Lubbock every morning, making sure he has some impact on some student’s life, whether it be in one of his physical education classes or just offering friendly advice. When asked if he would rather do something else or another dream job, he responded with, “He is doing what he has always wanted to do.”

Heth’s usual day at SPC starts around noon and ends at about 9 p.m.. Besides supervising recreational sports, he teaches a few courses such as cycling, racquetball and paddle sports, along with walk/jog/run courses . He says that he really enjoys every moment teaching the students at SPC so far.

He also oversees the intramural sports program.  He plans to make an impact, adding quite a few different ideas into the mix such as badminton, soccer, volleyball, and racquetball, in addition to football, basketball and dodge ball. He even mentioned such things as a possible softball season in the spring, along with the possibility of a golf tournament. In his spare time, Heth likes hunting and fishing, playing fantasy football and playing poker.

Heth says that he always tries to stress to his students that they try to get as involved as much as they can. He wants students to try to make college an enjoyable and memorable experience, including taking part in the extracurricular activities. He says that he wants to implement a recreational department for the students so that everyone can be involved and feel as comfortable as possible on campus.     

 

Photo by Savannah Nash/Plainsman Press