Spartans of UD: Jose Reinoso
Nov 15, 2017 | University Relations staff
Spartans of UD is a new feature that highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus. Jose Reinoso (C’08, MBA’12) has been coordinator of intramural sports at UD for seven years. He is also an adjunct faculty member.
JOSE REINOSO
Coordinator of Intramural Sports l Adjunct Faculty
1. You earned your undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Dubuque. What made you decide to leave Miami, Florida, all those years ago to attend college at UD?
“As a kid my dream was to play college football and earn a college degree. During my senior year of high school, my coach and I had a conversation about what I wanted to do after high school. I remember telling my coach that I wanted to get out of Miami and experience something new. After that conversation, my coach helped me achieve my dream. Fortunately, the University of Dubuque gave me the opportunity to fulfill that dream.”
2. How have your past experiences as a UD football player and women’s golf coach impacted the way you approach athletics in your position as coordinator of intramural sports?
“I approached playing football and coaching the women’s golf team the same way I approach working as the coordinator of intramural sports, which is by treating everyone as a part of my family. It is my goal to let my staff know when they are doing a good job or if there is an area they can approve upon. Either way, we do it together, because we are a team.”
3. How many intramural sports are offered at UD? What is your favorite intramural sport? What is the quirkiest intramural sport offered?
“We offer 18 intramural sports throughout the year. My favorite intramural sport is dodgeball because the students really get into it. In the past, I have had teams come in full costume. Our quirkiest intramural we have offered is FootGolf. This sport is a combination of soccer and golf that is played with a soccer ball to the rules of golf. Definitely a good time!”
4. As coordinator of intramural sports, you promote wellness, encourage wise use of leisure time, and, in a way, provide an example to students to be active. How has that impacted your life?
“Students can be active in a number of ways. We offer intramurals and group fitness classes for students. Additionally, students can use the CRWC weight room and courts/track. In the courts area, students can play basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton as well as run on the track. Also, UD has many different types of activity classes students can take for credit. I personally teach racquetball, racquet sports, badminton, and pickleball.
“With help from intramurals, our group fitness class, the CRWC weight room, and my activity classes, I have managed to lose 177 pounds. In my weight loss journey, I utilized the weight room first to build a foundation and also participated in intramurals.
“Two years ago, I tried a few yoga classes and I have found myself enjoying it a lot. I remember telling people that I would never do yoga and now I can call myself a yogi(someone who does yoga often). It is one of my favorite group fitness classes to do.
“If I could offer some advice to anyone who wants to be more active and healthy, it is to start small then work your way up. Try different activities, because you never know what type of activity you like until you try it.”
5. How do you balance your time at UD and your time with your wife, Martha (C’10), and 1-year-old son, Julio?
“I am lucky to have Martha in my life. We are both in the education field and are members of many committees through our work. We have a lovely calendar system to keep track of our schedules and definitely plan ahead. Through this we ensure we get our fitness time in as well as attend all the fun activities on and off campus. Most of the time you can find us on campus attending a sporting event or show.”
