University Chronicle

Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Alicia Tadeski Members of the SCSU club lacrosse team work on a drill during their practice at Husky Field. Their club is one of almost 20 sports clubs available at SCSU.

Media Credit: Nicole Bock The SCSU Rowing Club carries their boat down to their dock during practice.

Media Credit: Nicole Bock A women's rugby player passes to a teammate during practice.

Media Credit: Alicia Tandeski Two Cheer Team members work on a practice routine during tryouts.

The first week of college is already tough enough for new students as they attempt to get used to new classes and a new way of life.

With all of that to already take in, first-year student Kelly Johnson decided to take it a step further and learn a new sport, rowing.

With encouragement from a friend who rows at St. Thomas University, Johnson happened to be walking through Mainstreet last week and spotted the stand for the SCSU Rowing Club. After an informational meeting about the club, practice for new members is starting up this week.

Although the new members of the team are still learning the basics about the sport, Johnson has taken a liking to rowing so far.

"It's really been a lot of fun," Johnson said. "I went into it kind of nervous because it's a sport that I know nothing about. But it's been a great experience, and I'm excited for the (competitive) season to start."

The rowing club is just one of nearly 20 club sports that can be found at SCSU. Unlike intramural sports, club sports run year round, have student-run executive boards and schedule themselves to compete against other colleges.

Junior Alex Katkov, who serves as president of the men's club lacrosse team, said club sports provide an opportunity for people to be competitive in a sport without having to be as committed to it as a varsity sport.

"It's a good setting for people who want to take a sport seriously but, for whatever reason, weren't able to compete in it at a collegiate level," Katkov said. "It's also a good experience for people who may not have played the sport before and want to learn."

Club teams like the lacrosse team have regularly scheduled practice times at on-campus locations like Husky Stadium or Selke Field. Club teams are granted specific times to use the facilities by Campus Rec, who oversee the club sports and act as advisors.

Brad Bonk, who serves as a graduate assistant to club sport advisor Chris Stepan, described Campus Rec's role with club sports as being a facilitator.

"We provide facilities for clubs, store their equipment, help take care of their budget and help them with travel issues like van rentals and travel rosters because most of the club teams travel a lot for competition," Bonk said.

Katkov echoed the importance of Campus Rec for club sports. "With what they help us out with, we basically get to play for free," Katkov said. "It's nice not having to worry about where and when we'll be practicing everyday.

In addition to the advising help offered to club teams, Campus Rec also oversees scheduled sports club rallies and meetings, where clubs can become acquainted with one another and discuss any issues they are having. New this year, Bonk is planning on having clubs meet on a monthly basis as opposed to once a semester.

"We're club sports can have more interaction with one another this year. Possibly bounce ideas off of one another for fundraising or ways to improve recruitment," Bonk said.

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