Green Games
A Green Games Sustainability Initiative with OHIO Athletics
Members from Campus Recycling & Zero Waste, the Office of Sustainability, the Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative, and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service have come together with OHIO Athletics to partner on increasing sustainability within OHIO Athletic. During the games, “bin goalies” will properly dispose of waste by directing people to recycle their cans, paper, plastics, and food waste in the correct bins. During these green games, there will be tables with games and prizes as well as information to learn about how we work to make Ohio University clean and sustainable. At the end of the game, volunteers will go through the stadium to pick up any trash left behind. Green game days will also have a Player of the Planet, which gives players who support sustainability a spotlight.
Players for the Planet
Sasha Dikotla: Field Hockey
Major: Chemical Engineering
Year: Freshman
Sasha is on the OHIO field hockey team. She grew up in South Africa and was a part of the Super 12 top school hockey teams. Sasha also received 2nd place in both the Johannesburg hockey league and the Southern Gauteng hockey league. In her free time, Sasha enjoys reading, singing, baking, coding, and knitting. She plans to pursue a career in water treatment or renewable energy.
Regan Berg: Soccer
Major: Outdoor Recreation & Education
Year: Senior
Regan is on the OHIO soccer team. She was selected to the 2022 All-MAC First Team and led OHIO in goals. She participates in the Recreation Majors & Minors Association as Treasurer, Athletics & Sustainability Task Force, Bobcats Lead Change, and Sierra Club. Regan has been on the Dean's list since the start of her attendance at OU (2020). She is a new employee of Outdoor Pursuits on campus and after college she wants to work in Wilderness Therapy as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Sarah Liederbach: Track & Field
Major: Chemical Engineering
Year: Sophmore
Sarah hopes to pursue a career in biomedical sciences or renewable energy. She is a member of the Track and MAC runner-up! Cross Country teams at OU and is thrilled to be part of an effort that incorporates athletics with her passion for sustainability. She is currently researching biogas production in anaerobic digestion and can be found riding her bike all over Athens and reducing consumption and waste in any way she can.
Cat for the Climate: Rufus the Bobcat
Hometown: Athens, OH
Species: Lynx Rufus
Rufus took over as school mascot after his dad, Mr. Bobcat, retired in 2006. Rufus' name is a shortened version of his species' scientific moniker, Lynx Rufus. As a passionate OHIO fan, he never misses a game. Rufus embodies the phrase "OU Oh Yeah!", and spends his free time prowling the Ridges, cheering on his fellow bobcats, high-fiving fans, and being a social media influencer. Per his territorial nature, he often fights over fame with the Athens uptown cat, Pumpkin. His favorite hobbies are advocating for the planet and teaching people how to recycle.
Coach Carlston: Volleyball
Carlston began his career in 1994 as head coach at Hopkins High School. He left high school ranks for two years of service in Belize as a Peace Corps Volunteer but stayed close to the sport, serving as head coach of the Belize women’s national team and as an assistant for the men’s national team. Furthering his dedication to the planet and its people, he assisted in organizing various Earth Day events at the University of Minnesota, where he received his undergraduate degree in speech communication.
Clay Cutter: Baseball
Major: Entrepreneurship
Year: Junior
This is Clay's first year at Ohio University. Clay transferred from Iowa Western Community College. He batted .350 in his two years playing at IWCC. Clay has a passion for our beautiful earth and aspires to do what he can to keep our environment as sustainable as possible. He enjoys being outside and activities such as playing golf and fishing.