OLYMPIA, Wash. -- As part of the celebration of 45 years of Geoduck Athletics, Art Costantino was recently invited to campus to reflect on his time at Evergreen. Costantino oversaw The Evergreen State College Athletics while serving as Vice President for Student Affairs from 1992 until he retired in 2012. He advanced the development of athletics following the initial start by Pete Steilberg.

"Art was a thoughtful and dedicated Vice President, attuned to the quality of life for our students, and committed to ensuring students had a voice in decisions," current Evergreen Director of Student Wellness, Recreation, and Athletics Elizabeth McHugh said.

In 1992, Evergreen competed in men's soccer, women's soccer, men's swimming, women's swimming, and tennis. The Geoducks participated in the NAIA for most of Costantino's years in Student Affairs, but Evergreen was a member of NCAA Division III for few years in the mid-1990s before returning to the NAIA.

Costantino noted that men's basketball and women's basketball were added in 1997-98. Volleyball was added in 2001.

Basketball attracted big crowds in the early 2000s. "The gym was full the first year or two. It really captured school spirit," Costantino said.

John Barbee led the men's basketball team to the 2001-02 regular season Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship and the second round of the NAIA National Tournament with a 26-7 overall record and a 17-1 record in the CCC.

While at Evergreen, Costantino worked hard to balance the needs and successes of both recreation and athletics. The Costantino Recreation Center was named after Art Costantino following his retirement, in recognition of his dedication to Recreation and Athletics, which also included recreational programs such as the ski school and The Outdoor Program.