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The Battalion
Page 3 A • Thursday, October 16, 2003
For the love of the game
Rec Sports Clubs offer students stress-free fun and fitness activities
By Jose Cruz
THE BATTALION
When Michael Roberson, got a new bicycle
his freshman year, he decided to put it to good
use. He went to an informational meeting for the
Cycling Club, where he found other people he
could compete with on his bike. He has been a
member ever since.
“It’s nice to ride with a group of people because
we all load up in one van, go to a race and we get
to have a good time as well as compete,” said
Roberson, a junior engineering technology major.
Many students similar to Roberson find sports
clubs such as the Cycling Club a means to pursue
their passion to compete and an outlet to escape
horn the stress of college life.
The Department of Recreational Sports sup
ports and sponsors various programs for A&M stu
dents, such as outdoor programs and intramurals.
Courtney Gunthrop, a senior mechanical engi
neering major and Rec Center employee, said
some of the most popular programs are the 29 stu
dent organizations that make up the Texas A&M
Sport Club Association it is best if students join
early in the school year since most teams begin
competing within the first three weeks of school.
Gunthrop said although the clubs are primarily
meant for recreation, many clubs have enjoyed
national success.
“A lot of the clubs compete in national compe
titions. In the past, we have had some olympians
play on teams as well, such as silver-medalist Vic
Wunderle who was a part of the A&M Archery
Club,” Gunthrop said.
Ashley Grulich, a junior ocean engineering
major, said joining the A&M lacrosse team was the
next logical step for her after playing lacrosse in
ligh school. Grulich said although some students
think they may not have time to play on a club team,
flexible time schedules help avoid conflicts.
“The coach is really lenient about scheduling,”
Grulich said. “He knows school comes first for us
d tries to work around it.”
Although most sports require the players to
their own equipment, some sports such as
Members of the Texas A&M women's lacrosse team put
lacrosse require little else than a lacrosse stick and
a set of cleats.
Financial assistance to each club is made avail
able from funds received from student service fees.
To help cover additional expenses, individual club
members pay between $25 and $50 in club dues
every semester.
Brian DeSpain, a junior business management
major, said the benefits of a club sport member
ship far outweigh the cost.
DeSpain said participating on a club team is an
important part of developing as a college student.
He recommends every student try a club team.
“Having an extracurricular activity like club
sports gives you a break from the daily grind of
college classes. It’s a real help for the mind as well
as the body,” DeSpain said.
Randal ford • THE BATTALION
their sticks together before practice at Penberthy Field.
DeSpain has been playing lacrosse since high
school and joined the A&M club team for the
opportunity to test his skills on a broader scope.
“(The lacrosse club team) gives me the oppor
tunity to compete nationally and being affiliated
with the school still lets me keep my academics as
my top priority,” he said.
DeSpain said one of the greatest elements of
the A&M Sport Club Association is the many dif
ferent options it has for students.
“The Rec Sports program is great because of
the variety of sports offered,” he said. “No matter
what your level (of fitness) is, there’s something
for everyone.”
Being able to compete and have fun without wor
rying about their performance will have a positive
effect on the club member’s future, DeSpain said.
“The level of stress and pressure commonly
associated with varsity sports programs is non
existent in club sports,” he said.
While some students are attracted to the club
teams because of the camaraderie and friendship,
others want to be part of a top team in the nation.
Keith Sewell, assistant coach for the men’s vol
leyball team, said he first tried out for the team
when he was a student because he had heard pos
itive things about the A&M volleyball team.
“I heard A&M had a good team, so I wanted to
try out,” he said. “I played in high school and I
was excited about getting to travel with the team.”
Sewell said one of the positive aspects of club
sports is that they never turn away students who may
not possess the skills necessary to be competitive.
“We always encourage people to stay and prac
tice with the team so that they can improve and
eventually contribute to the team,” he said.
Upon arriving at college, many students who
were involved in high school sports forgo partici
pation in athletics altogether. Some find it hard to
fit a strict workout regimen into their already
loaded class and work schedules.
A lack of exercise combined with unhealthy
eating habits can quickly result in gaining weight,
health experts say.
Club teams provide a structured workout
schedule through regular practices and competi
tions, which help students stay active and healthy.
Playing on a club team can be a way to stay in
shape, have fun or participate in an activity that
students are passionate about.
While some students may dread working out,
others have figured out that exercising doesn’t
have to be a daunting task.
Joining sport clubs is one way people can enjoy
staying healthy and fit.
“I recommend it to people looking for an
extracurricular activity,” Sewell said. “It’s also a
good way to make new friends. It’s you stay in
shape and get to have fun while you’re at it.”
Gunthrop said students can visit
recsports.tamu.edu for information about a partic
ular club or to find one that suits their particular
needs. *
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