UCSD Recreation says farewell to Sports Clubs Icon: Scott Berndes

After 34 years at UCSD, Scott Berndes is officially stepping down from his Sports and Recreation Clubs Director position and getting ready to enjoy the retired-life in beautiful San Diego. Scott completed his undergrad at UC Riverside while competing on their intercollegiate baseball team, and became Intramural Sports Director at UCR. However, when the Assistant Intramural Sports Director positioned opened up at UCSD, he quickly snagged the job to return back to his beloved hometown. He has been flourishing in the department, and had the opportunity to ascended to the Sports Clubs Director position in 1993, and has been there ever since. 

Out of the many accomplishments that Scott has achieved here at UCSD, he is particularly proud of his efforts that helped expand the Sports Clubs department. When he first started as a director, there were only 8 sports clubs teams, and the program has grown to 28 sports, including a full-time assistant and two full-time athletic trainers. Scott has also contributed to the creation of many campus traditions such as the UnOlympics, Welcome Week's main event in which the six college compete for the bronze shoe and some bragging rights for the rest of the school year. Other fond memories that Scott recalls are: Recreation Casino Nights on campus, the creation of the Fall Festival on the Green for student organizations, all-night volleyball tournaments with Intramural Sports and plenty more. 

Although Scott has had so many accomplishments from his position, he says that his friendships with his co-workers has been one of the highlights of his career at UCSD. He has the upmost respect and praise for Mike Hipp, his supervisor, friend and mentor, and also the Director of Intramural sports. He has enjoyed working with students by helping them organize and run their sports clubs, and is also so proud of the participants, who have no scholarships or subsidized costs and play at their highest level for the love of their sport. 

Scott will continue to share his love for sports and fun, even after he leaves UCSD, as he plans to stay involved with the Hickman Youth Athletic Areas in Kearny Mesa and promote youth sports in the community. Recreation will miss him so much, but we know that he will continue to touch the lives of many with his passion and drive for the love of the game! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our department, they will not be forgotten as the traditions will stay for many years to come.