With new, crammed class schedules, responsibilities, and stress, students can exercise both their bodies and minds with recreational sports this fall season.
The beginning of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s recreational fall sports season kicked off Aug. 27.
The first eight-week intramural quarter consists of something for everybody: 3v3 basketball, 9-hole golf tournament, bag toss, disc golf tournament, dodgeball, fantasy football, flag football, indoor soccer, pickleball, sand volleyball, softball, and spikeball. Registration for golf concludes by Sept. 19th and all other sports conclude Sept. 11th.
The second eight-week intramural quarter will begin Oct. 1, including badminton, basketball, boccia, floor hockey, innertube water polo, racquetball, table tennis, volleyball, and wheelchair basketball. Additionally, college ‘bowl pick ‘em’ starts Nov. 25th.
“It’s important to us that while we acknowledge our variations of baseball/softball, football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc. exist, it’s important to shine a light on other activities to not only show those activity enthusiasts those possibilities exist, but you never know if you’d enjoy those activities if you don’t try them,” said Matthew Schneider, Recreational Sports assistant director.
In addition to intramural sports, UW-W offers over 30 club sports with a wide range from billiards to esports to fishing and even paintball, these clubs are made by students for students.
“I am the first graduate assistant for the intramural & club sports program,” said Chris Celius, Recreational Sports graduate assistant. “I am a resource if any student has any questions or concerns about rec. sports as a whole. Students can come into William Center room 100 for any questions, we are here for them.”
The department also offers individual fitness memberships, aquatics, equipment room rentals and group fitness classes.
“Approximately 60% of students claim fitness memberships, and UW-W is above the national average of IM and Club Sports participation for a school of our size,” Schneider said.
If you’d rather sit this one out completely, consider sitting on the sidelines of these games. A few upcoming opportunities: men’s club soccer vs UW-La Crosse on Sept. 7, women’s club soccer vs UW-La Crosse on Sept. 20, men’s ultimate frisbee tournament on Sept. 21, and the Cornhole Tournament takes place all day Oct. 11. If interested, schedules, standings, and more are available on the free UW-W Rec Sports app.
“Last year, over 12,000 fans of spectators came to IM sports events, which is crazy amazing,” Schneider said. “Come cheer on your friends, roommates, classmates, etc.!”
If unable to attend, UWWTV provides live streaming coverage of select IM sports championship events. They are also accessible to watch after the fact on their YouTube page, UWWTV. As well, employment opportunities within recreational sports, such as scorekeepers and building supervisors, are available.
“Rec. sports is also one of the largest on-campus employers,” Schneider said.
“It truly takes a village for our programs and services to happen, and we’d love for anyone to consider joining us.” The recreational sports department here at UW-W is always looking to expand and improve in the future.
“I have an idea about doing a couple of panels or presentations on getting more female participants in intramurals,” Celius said.
Overall, UW-W athletically has options that fit everyone while increasing student knowledge of wellness and physical fitness as well as promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors.
