5 FUN FACTS ABOUT
SEWELL PARK
1.) TEXAS STATE OFFERS
SCUBA DIVING CLASSES
Texas State offers students the opportunity to become "scuba certified" all the while earning a Physical Fitness and Wellness credit. The classroom for this course, however is non-traditional. Sewell Park is the classroom, the San Marcos river is homework. Texas State scuba diving instructors make use of the amenity when training students.
Information compiled by Mariah Medina
Photo by Texas State Alumni Facebook page.
2.) STRUTTERS AREN'T ALLOWED
ON BIKINI HILL
For those wondering what Bikini Hill is, it is nothing more than the hill in Sewell Park, near Strahan Coliseum, that you can find many Texas State students and San Marcos residents sunbathing on. Because the area is specifically known for sunbathing, the hill earned the name "Bikini Hill." Strutters, who widely acknowledge the team's adhearance to tradition, are not allowed on "Bikini Hill" after it earned a less than glamourous reputation through the years.
4.) SEWELL PARK IS ONLY OPEN
TO STUDENTS
Add "no alcohol," and "no pets," to the list of Sewell Park rules blatantly ignored by the public. Scattered through out Sewell Park are signs that state “Sewell Park is for use by Texas State students, faculty and staff only.” Two frequenters of Sewell Park, commonly referred to as "Frisbee Dan" and "the Sun God" are examples of the breaching of this rule. Over time, the Texas State population has learned to live in unison with those enjoying Sewell Park.
5.) SEWELL PARK IS NAMED
AFTER A PROFESSOR
3.) TEXAS STATE GRADUATES CONSIDER THE RIVER TO BE A GOOD OMEN
After the commencement ceremony, graduates flock to Sewell Park with their families in tow. Excited family members stand by to record their graduate's final farewell to the university-- jumping into the San Marcos river. It is said students preserve this tradition with the superstition that their adherence will get them jobs soon after graduation. See video below.
According to the Texas State website, Sewell Park is named after Dr. S.M. Sewell, a mathematics professor who was employed by the university around 1916 when he suggested the creation of a river. In 1917, the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries leased the college four acres of land near the river. The park was called Riverside Park until 1946 when it was renamed on behalf of the mathematics professor.