UW-River Falls

R. A. Karges [CAR-guess] (1881-1964)

Karges Physical Education Center (1960)

Anyone who was on campus in the days when the Falcon basketball team played in the "cracker box" gymnasium of North Hall has one indelible memory of Dr. R. A. Karges. "Kargie" would dash out to the middle of the playing floor at any lull in the game to check the scoreboard.

Dr. Karges coached the basketball team from 1910 to 1912. In those days the school could afford travel for only two conference games and filled out the season by playing area high schools. Dr. Karges was a favorite speaker at alumni meetings and once told a group that his teams "had never lost a high school game." Then, with a smile, he added, "and never won a college game."

Dr. Karges attended Whitewater Normal and then the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he earned his undergraduate degree and was named to Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he was principal of Ripon High School. He left there to join the faculty at River Falls in 1908. He was awarded a master's degree at Madison in 1912 and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa in 1931. Dr. Karges taught chemistry at River Falls and was vice president of River Falls State Teachers College from 1926 to 1951. He served as faculty representative to the Wisconsin State Athletic Conference from 1912 until his retirement. He was a familiar figure on campus and attended most of the home football and basketball games. He took part in laying the cornerstone for the Karges Physical Education Center in 1959.

In tribute to him, President E. H. Kleinpell wrote that he "combined in a single personality the most admirable of all attributes of a teacher -- an interest in young people and a concern in their welfare, dedication to a field of learning, a wide range of interests outside his specialty and an intense loyalty to `his' college."
The Karges Physical Education Center houses the Departments of Health and Human Performance and Athletics.

Dance Studio

The Dance Studio is a 75'x45' spacious facility with natural lighting and fully equipped to serve as both a state of the art classroom and informal performance space.

As a classroom, the studio is equipped with ballet barres, one wall with full length mirrors, sound system, piano, computer, LCD projector, and full internet access.

As a rehearsal and informal performance space the studio has general stage lighting instruments, theatre legs, a portable two scene light board and proscenium stage blocking marks.

Gymnasium

Open Gym hours vary and are posted on the Gym door.

The Karges Gymnasium can seat 2500 spectators for the excitement of the Men's and Women's Falcon Basketball Teams and the Women's Volleyball Team.

The Basketball court is regulation collegiate court size.

Pool

The pool in Karges Center is a regulation-size swimming pool. It is staffed with a lifeguard during the hours it is open for general use.

Lap Swim/Open Swim

Lap Swim - Summer Hours
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 11:30-1:30
$2/visit or $30 for the summer
payments can be made either at Karges 111 or directly to the lifeguard
Always check-in with the lifeguard prior to swimming

QUESTIONS: Contact Bill Henderson at william.henderson@uwrf.edu or 425-0636

Aqua Aerobics

Welcome to the World of Aqua Aerobics!
You are invited to participate in aqua aerobics, a program offered through the Life Fitness Program.
WHO: Anyone can participate, no swimming experience needed!
WHEN:
WHERE: Karges Center Swimming Pool, access via lower level through locker rooms
FEES: UW-RF students $30/semester, Community Member $50/semester, or a 20 punch card can be purchased for $45. Please pay the instructor.

QUESTIONS: Contact Gwen at conkligj@hudsonk12.wi.us