Sometimes the best things come in small packages. Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash., has a student body of only 2,800, but the activity level on campus far outpaces the school’s small size. It is that vibrant culture that has kept associate athletics director for recreation Rob Thompson at the university, and one that compelled him to join SportsArt’s Campus Challenge to bring his active student body the best possible products.
“Out of those 2,800 students, it is a really active campus,” says Thompson. “There are 450 student-athletes, 100 club sport athletes and a robust intramurals program. There are about 40 intramural leagues that run all year long, with 500 students involved.”
Thompson first encountered SportsArt in the months following the COVID-19 lockdown. A student approached him about the possibility of adding cycling classes to feed a hobby picked up during the pandemic. “We didn’t have any bikes, so I said, ‘Yeah, this is great. I love the enthusiasm. Let’s find a way to get some bikes in here and see how it goes.’ ”
From there, Thompson acquired funding from the student government and began shopping around for the perfect products.
“I looked around at a bunch of different vendors, trying to find a price point that worked best for us,” Thompson says. “We came across SportsArt. They’re relatively local, and I talked to one of their sales guys at a convention. I got a really good vibe from him, and they were able to work a really good price point for us. So, we gave it a shot, and instantly from that point on, we ordered 10 bikes. They were fantastic.”
Recognizing how popular the bikes were with students, Thompson entered the Campus Challenge in 2025 knowing that if PLU was lucky enough to win, the reception to additional SportsArt equipment would be electric. Says Thompson, “I saw an email [about the challenge] last year and said ‘Oh, SportsArt! I love these guys. What’s the worst that can happen? Let’s try to make a run for this thing.’ ”
Thompson received support from PLU’s Green Club and Outdoor Rec Club, both of which spread the word to their members. He sent emails to the coaches and rec staff, encouraging everyone to sign up and submit. He spread flyers throughout the facility.
“We did a whole campaign around campus,” says Thompson, admitting that he “knew realistically that it was going to be a long shot but thought it was something worth trying for.”
What began as a long shot, turned into a dream come true.
PLU won the Campus Challenge, securing several new treadmills and stair machines for the campus’s 5,000-square-foot recreation center. By doubling the number of treadmills, a longstanding issue of students having to wait their turn for the treadmills was effectively eliminated.
“When we won, we won five treadmills, and I asked Ruben Mejia, executive vice president of SportsArt America, if there was a way we could swap a couple treadmills for stair steppers, and I thought it was a big ask, but Ruben said, ‘No problem.’ They were able to do it,” says Thompson. “I was super impressed by their ability to work with us. They’ve been so easy to work with. If you have any questions, their customer service is fantastic.”
That customer service extended even to the unique installation experience at PLU. Says Thompson, “Our cardio equipment is on a second floor with no elevator and a really narrow staircase, so when their salesperson came out, they weren’t sure how they were going to get the machines up there. We got really creative and used a forklift that we had on campus to get the equipment up there. It was a very unique install.”
As the semester kicks off, and students begin to pack PLU’s campus recreation center, Thompson is excited to witness the upgrade in action.
“I can’t say enough good things about SportsArt,” Thompson says, adding of his students, “They are pumped about the new equipment.”