James Friel - Director

Job Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation Center, the Rec Plex and Norris Park
Develop and implement campus recreation guidelines, policies, and procedures. Assist with development and implementation of guidelines, policies, and procedures of the other units housed within the facility.
Responsible for the supervision of staff, which includes but is not limited to hiring, terminating, disciplinary actions, performance management, staff development, etc.
Oversee and administer the annual budget including purchasing and maintenance of all recreational sports equipment
Oversee the development and implementation of campus recreational program offerings including club sports, intramurals, aquatics, fitness, massage, personal training and instructional programs.
Work with leadership to develop and implement facility and program fee structures that meet the long-term stability of Campus Recreation
Engage in regular and systematic assessment and evaluation of Campus Recreation programs and services and use data to drive decisions.
Work collaboratively with members of the Wellness + Recreation leadership team to design and implement comprehensive programs and opportunities that focus on holistic student well-being and campus health

Coordinate the recruiting and hiring process for all professional and support staff positions.
Hire, train, supervise and evaluate Campus Rec Pro Staff. Oversees the completion of all responsibilities related to these positions.
Serve on committees representing Campus Recreation

Wisconsin Intramural Recreational Sports Association (WIRSA), State Director, 2015-2017
National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), Member
Wisconsin Intramural Recreational Sports Association (WIRSA), Member
WIRSA SERVICE AWARD WINNER, 2017
Certified in First Aid, CPR, AED

James was a Graduate Assistant at UW-La Crosse for the Recreational Sports Department from 2006-2008.
James was the Assistant Director at UW-Whitewater for the Office of Recreation Sports & Facilities from 2008-2018.
James was the Associate Director of Recreational Sports/Campus Recreation at Marquette University from 2018-2025.
James has been the Director of Campus Recreation since April, 2025.

James is married to Allison, who is an Occupational Therapist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and they have three daughters - twin girls Abigail and Clare, born in Feb 2016, and Emily Grace born in June 2021.
His favorite sports teams are the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chelsea FC and the United States National Soccer Team.
Interests include officiating soccer, attending live sporting events and spending time with his family.