Gettysburg College's campus recreation program continues to set the standard among our peer institutions. While students seek to build their knowledge and enduring skills in the classroom, they work on their physical well-being and mental fortitude in the gym, pool, and surrounding fields through a range of recreational and competitive opportunities.
 
The list below highlights some of those great opportunities from the past year and represents the continued growth and development of our campus recreation program as we week to enhance the student experience on campus.
 
We're No. 3
According to the Princeton Review, Gettysburg is ranked No. 3 in "Everyone Plays Intramural Sports," putting larger institutions like the University of Arizona (No. 4) and the Washington University in St. Louis (No. 9) in the rear-view mirror. During the 2023-24 academic year, participation in the intramural program increased from 471 the prior year to 535 students.
 
Top-notch Athletic Facilities
Intramurals wasn't the only area Gettysburg ranked among the nation's top institutions in the Princeton Review rankings. Highlighted by The John. F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness, the Bullets Pool, and the Ortenzio Fitness Room, our athletic facilities took home the No. 14 position for "Best Athletic Facilities" in the nationally-renowned publication. Gettysburg was one of only two NCAA Division III institutions among the top 10, which was topped by Auburn University.
 
Rolling Through
During the 2023-24 academic year, 2,153 students—93 percent of the student body—walked into the Ortenzio Fitness Room. That represents an increase of nearly 300 students from the prior year and showcases the focus our campus has on personal and physical well-being. The fitness area includes a multitude of workout options ranging from cardio equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes to weight training equipment such as resistance machines and free weights.
 
Join the Club
The club sport program continues to evolve and adapt as a competitive outlet for our students. Currently, there are eight varsity club sports providing competitive, recreational, and instructional opportunities for experienced and novice athletes alike. Club sport offerings include climbing, equestrian, fencing, ice hockey, men's rugby, women's rugby, ultimate frisbee, and men's volleyball. Participation in these sports rose 42 percent during the 2023-24 academic year.
 
Climbing to New Heights
A new addition to the club sport offerings is the climbing club, which was previously managed by the Garthwait Leadership Center. Utilizing the Den, which includes both the Jaeger Tower and Bouldering Wall, the climbing club will take another step in its evolution as part of campus recreation and participate in more intercollegiate competition in the upcoming year.
 
Well-Being for Life
From yoga to spinning, fitness classes offer students and staff a quick and easy workout alternative when they're on the go. Classes are held nearly every day in the multi-purpose room in the Jaeger Center or nearby areas and are open to anyone with a valid College ID. Last year, more than 250 students took advantage of the range of classes organized in collaboration with campus partners.