Nick HooverIf those football scholarship applications didn’t come through, there’s still hope – ASI Rec Sports offers plenty of competition for the school year.
Ranging from fun under the sun to brutal competition on the field, club and recreational sports are likely to fulfill an athlete’s needs on the playing fields.
Some of the more publicized teams that play nationally fall under the club sports category. These teams have a budget partially funded by ASI, but mostly funded by donations that players and other team affiliates drum up.
If you want to team up with some of the best non-varsity athletes out there, try the rugby or lacrosse teams, two of the 16 club sports offered.
“From the outset, I have been clear with the guys that I am expecting more out of them this year,” said men’s lacrosse head coach Ryan Herchenroether in his season outlook. “We need to focus on our assignments, learn how to play as a unit, and understand each others strengths. Basically the stuff that changes teams to winners.”
The recruiting process isn’t easy and the level of competition is close to what a varsity team might encounter. Scholarships are not offered.
In club sports, expect to compete with some of the best athletes out there. Cal Poly’s rugby squad finished as the national champion runner-ups after a tough loss against Cal Berkley in 2004 and women’s water polo won the national championship.
ASI Rec Sports are less competitive and more fun in their mission statement. ASI Fall Rec Sports are slo-pitch softball, speed soccer, dodgeball, five-on-five basketball, six-on-six volleyball and flag football. Fees of $100 to $150 are required per team and most teams are for both men and women.
Meetings for Rec Sports take place starting at 5:30 p.m. on September 26 in the Rec Center main gym.
There are three levels of play in intramural sports from Division I to Division III. Division I is described as “highly competitive” by the intramural sports handbook, whereas Division III is relaxed.
For the less committed athlete, a Rec Sports tournament is another option. Three-on-three basketball, dodge ball and racquetball all have tournaments.
Whether you’re an Average Joe’s or Globo Gym athlete, there’s no excuse for not signing up on a Rec Sports team. Many of the larger club teams have Web sites with schedules, results and rosters. The rugby team can be found at www.rugby.calpoly.edu and lacrosse at www.calpolylacrosse.com.
Clubs teams require a more in-depth recruiting process rather than signing up with ASI. Be sure to get into contact with their coaches and managers well before the seasons begin.