Office of Recreation, Involvement, and Student Engagement (R.I.S.E.)

Intramurals

Intramural Sports participation is an important element of student life at Saint Mary’s University. Students can create teams with their friends to compete against their classmates. Intramural sports intend to provide exercise, promote leisure education, enrich social competence, develop group loyalty and promote higher academic achievement. The success of the intramural program depends primarily on student participation and cooperation in the activities offered. The goal is an activity for everyone and everyone in an activity. These activities include team sports, individual sports, and special events.

Club Sports

The aim of the club sports program is to develop students through competition, instruction, financial responsibility, and general administration. Through this aim we also hope to create a safe and fun environment that encourages:

Positive Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota experiences.
Character development through athlete commitment and excellence.
Physical, social, and leadership development.
Cultivation of friendships.
Recreational and competitive opportunities regardless of skill level.
Lifetime appreciation for sport and physical activity.
Memories that last a lifetime.

Fitness & Wellness

There are many organizations/clubs on campus that engage students by getting their bodies moving! By staying active, students have an outlet to destress and create social networks outside of the classroom. Get moving with us at Saint Mary’s with the likes of our; Zumba Club, Ice Skating Club, Yoga Club, Student Wellness Club, Canoe and Kayak Club, and much more. Mental fitness & wellness is just as important as physical, so if you are struggling, please reach out to the Jay Johnson Wellness Center where caring professionals will assist you.

Environmental Awareness Center

For those who are interested in the great outdoors and exploring the surrounding Winona environment, the Environmental Awareness Center offers students with ample supplies to fulfill their voyages. Students can check out cross-country skis, camping gear, and much more outdoor equipment. Throughout the academic year, various trips are planned such as canoeing on the Mississippi River Backwaters, skiing on the Saint Mary’s Trails, and hiking/camping at a local state park.

Ski Trails – Hiking & Nordic

The Saint Mary’s trails have three levels. The flat, gently rolling green trails on the lower trail system are perfect for beginners. The intermediate blue trails provide just enough action and difficulty, while still manageable for most skiers. For those who really want a challenge, the black trails offer long climbs and fast, twisting downhills through the tops of the bluffs on the furthest part of the trail system. Skiers can weave up and down hills as they glide through beautiful wooded valleys and bluffs of the Mississippi River. Gilmore Creek follows the lower trails while the upper trails provide great views of the university and the city of Winona.

The Woods at Saint Mary’s – Disc Golf Course

With a variety of wooded and open holes, and intricate hole placements, the course can be challenging for both beginners and experienced disc golfers. The course is open year round from dawn to dusk.