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Club sports offer chance for other OSU athletes

Rugby, judo, triathlon, tennis, dodgeball and more - participation is growing every year for students involved in OSU's 35 club sports

Samantha Redmond

Issue date: 9/27/06 Section: Sports
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The Beaver rugby team, shown here at practice Tuesday afternoon, has been of the most successful club sports at OSU, both on and off the field. The players have traveled to places like Australia and continually rack up a winning record.
Media Credit: Peter Strong
The Beaver rugby team, shown here at practice Tuesday afternoon, has been of the most successful club sports at OSU, both on and off the field. The players have traveled to places like Australia and continually rack up a winning record.
he beginning of the new academic year marks the launch of a new season of athletics. For those who wish to be involved in recreational or competitive sports, Oregon State is home to a blossoming club sport program.

The club sports program currently hosts clubs for 35 sports and recreational activities. Some of these club sports include equestrian events, cycling, badminton, cross-country, track, gymnastics, judo, kendo, lacrosse, tennis, rugby, racquetball, polo, rifle, soccer, ultimate disc and an array of others.

"The clubs allow students the opportunity to continue to play sports after high school," said David Fehring, Assistant Director of Sports Clubs and Intramurals. "They can play at a competitive level without the skills to play collegiate sports."

Sport clubs allow students the advantage of being able to create their own experience within a sport. Participants can choose their own level of competitiveness, varying from highly competitive games to the enjoyment of having fun at practice. The clubs practice an average of three to four days a week, with practices lasting one to two hours.

The clubs also provide students with a connection to the university. Some clubs take part in community service and team dinners. The byproducts of student involvement are social skills learned through leadership; each club has officers who help schedule events and determine budget issues.

"It is a great opportunity to come into a sport that's new without it being intimidating," said Ben Hemson, Sport Clubs Supervisor. "It is the chance to take part in a sport that you have never been involved in before."

In 2001, the number of participants in club sports totaled at 675. With a growth of about 12 percent per year, the program reached a total of 1,288 participants in the 2005-2006 academic year. The estimated participant involvement for the upcoming year falls around 1,400 individuals.
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