Fort Sill has a new man overseeing sports facilities and programs, a man who, however, is not new to Lawton.

Jay Hunt, supervisory sports specialist for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, grew up in town and graduated from Cameron University.

He's stepped into his duties here after serving as a recreation specialist at Treasure Lake Job Corps in Indiahoma, Okla.

"I enjoy making sure we're providing a quality product for Soldiers and their families, both in the facilities they use and the customer service they receive," said Hunt.

He heads up the three fitness facilities on post, and keeps track of the aquatics and intramural sports programs. He said his goal is to be the best leader possible, and to set an example for the fitness center managers to follow.

Hunt graduated from Cameron in 2002 with a degree in sports and fitness management.

That academic background should come in handy as he's responsible for ensuring the three fitness centers are up to standard for quality and cleanliness. He also answers for the condition and maintenance of the post's athletic fields.

He said support from the brigades and battalions on post helps him make sure his personnel are giving them that great support in return for their Soldiers and other personnel.

"An intramurals program is a great way to get Soldiers more involved more and add to their healthy lifestyle," said Hunt. "It's another tool to help commanders build esprit de corps and boost morale for their Soldiers."

He witnessed that manner of involvement earlier this year when Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, presented the 214th Fires Brigade with the Commander's Cup. The cup annually awards the unit that amassed the highest cumulative point total for all intramural sports.

"It was great to see the competitiveness and drive of the brigade to excel," he said. "If all brigades had that same tenacity the 214th showed, we'd have an even better intramural program program here."

Hunt reminded MWR patrons that ground is scheduled to break soon on a fourth fitness center that will provide more fitness opportunities for those who live and work here.

Also, as the garrison commander's wellness challenge entered its first few days of the 90-day challenge period, his fitness facilities stand ready with programs and equipment to help people improve their health and fitness. His staff designed and mapped out the route for the 5K walk/run. FMWR will also provide electronic timing boards so every finisher can immediately see their finishing times.

Hunt said his best sport growing up was baseball, he played second base. Though his athletics didn't bring him in contact with significant sports stars, Hunt's dad coached high school baseball for Lawton High School including a player who played some professional baseball.

"We went with him to Arizona and I got to see the Diamondbacks' ballpark before a game," he said.

His visit included a walk through the home team's locker room and a couple close encounters with two tall athletes. He rode an elevator with Randy Johnson who at 6-foot, 10-inches really was a Big Unit. Later, Kevin Nash, a nearly 7-foot pro wrestler had seats right behind hunt at the game.

Off duty, Hunt can be found pitching softballs to his daughter or hitting golf balls together. He said she took up the family interest in sports. When time permits, he enjoys fishing or bleeding crimson and cream as only a born-and-raised Oklahoman could do.