Club sports expanding on campus

BY CONNIE BUDIN
Cardinal Staff

Are you a student that has free time and wants to be active, but are not quite sure what to do or where to turn? Go Clubbing, that is – clubbing SMU style! Whether you are in the mood for the rough and tough of Hellfish Rugby or being light on your feet with Competition Dance Team, there is a club sport here on campus for you.

Saint Mary’s University offers 10 club sports including: ultimate frisbee, men and women’s lacrosse, competition dance team, cheerleading, fencing, paintball, rugby, archery and men and women’s water polo. Since there are no coaches, the captains or officers take care of everything, and previous experience is not required to participate.

One of the newer and growing club sports on campus is the Competition Dance Team, lead by captain Megan Mollison. “It is very rewarding and thrilling to have come so far and accomplished so much as a growing and well-rounded team, dedicated and passionate for the thing we love to do — dance,” Mollison said. The team gets ready for its competitions by “practicing in the dance studio about six hours a week, as well as perform at several basketball games,” Mollison explained. Even with the hard work and focus, Mollison said it is important the team members always show respect and passion to SMU, the student body and themselves.

Captain Sarah Frey of the cheerleading team gave similar thoughts. “We cheer at men and women’s basketball games and practice twice a week, usually starting in November, gradually work our way into cheers, jumps and eventually stunting,” said Frey. Frey emphasized the relaxing atmosphere and that the schedule is never taken too seriously.

For those who do not want to express themselves in such creative and enthusiastic ways, fencing may be the right answer. Fencing Club President Peter Tornquist said fencing is “a great way to live out the amazing fight sequences we see in movies in real life using our imaginations as our guides.” At the moment, the team is organizing a meet with the Winona State fencing team, and practices are held weekly.

On the more physical side of the SMU club sport spectrum is the women’s lacrosse team, currently coming into its second season in the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League. Just this fall, the team became a full member of the league with seven regular season games in the spring and the possibility for post-season play. Jen Koezly, one of the team’s captains, expressed how excited the whole team is. “It is a fun, competitive sport that combines elements of many different sports into one and relies heavily on teamwork,” said Koezly. “At every practice, we not only improve our game but also get to know one another better. I love it.”

“Ulti,” or ultimate frisbee, is headed by tri-captains Alex Lam, Tim Sheedy and John Delmundo. “This is such a unique sport,” Lam explained. “All of our games are two-day tournaments, and it is a lot of fun.” A lot of these players are transfers from other sports, which adds to the excitement and experience of being on a club team.

“A club sport here is what you make of it,” said Lam. If you put time into it, it’ll be good, entertaining and best of all, everyone has a chance to compete.”