As Warhawks return to campus after a month-long break, the new semester arrives with fresh energy and a familiar list of New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s “get active,” “meet new people” or “finally leave the dorm,” UW-Whitewater’s Recreational Sports program makes sticking to those goals a lot more fun than staring at a treadmill alone.
Quarter 3 of the intramural sports season is just around the corner. Students interested in the preseason basketball tournament must register by Jan. 26. Registration for all other intramural sports, including bag toss, basketball, floor hockey, racquetball, table tennis and volleyball, closes at 4 p.m. Jan. 28. To celebrate March Madness, bracket challenge registration opens Mar. 3.
And if your New Year’s motivation hits a little later, there’s still plenty of time to jump in.
Quarter 4, the final eight-week session of the year, features a fresh lineup of intramural sports, including 3v3 basketball, a nine-hole golf tournament, indoor flag football, outdoor soccer, pickleball, sand volleyball and softball. With warmer weather and new options, Quarter 4 is perfect for students looking to end the year strong, or at least more active than they started it. Registration opens Mar. 4.
Toward the end of the semester, “last chance” leagues for basketball, sand volleyball and softball will also be offered. Schedules for these leagues are still being finalized, so students are encouraged to watch for announcements on the UW-Whitewater Rec Sports app.
While fitness goals often get the spotlight in January, Recreational Sports offers much more than just a workout.
“Depending on what specific goals an individual may have, clubs and student organizations in general can help with social goals, time management, involvement ambitions, financial goals, wellness goals, and competition goals,” Intramural and Club Sports Assistant Director Matt Schneider said. “Personally, I believe the benefit of joining a student organization is they truly can be tailored to anyone.”
Beyond intramural sports, UW-Whitewater offers more than 30 club sports, ranging from barbell club and running club to fishing club. From competitive teams to laid-back clubs, there’s no single type of student who fits in; just a willingness to show up and try.
This semester, three new clubs – track and field, trap and outdoor adventure – have officially joined the lineup. Starting a club is no small task, as all club sports are recognized student organizations and must complete the student organization recognition process facilitated by the Involvement Office.
“Club Sports teams specifically are generally those clubs with competitive and/or recreation goals and work with our office in Rec Sports due to our subject matter expertise and ability to support their operations and student involvement impact,” Schneider said.
Even if your resolution is simply to cheer from the sidelines, Recreational Sports has you covered. Select intramural championship events are live-streamed by UWW-TV and available to watch later on their YouTube channel.
“We’re still in the process of updating our website and app,” Schneider said, “but all information is available at uww.edu/recsports and through the free UW–Whitewater Rec Sports app. We appreciate your patience.”
Whether you’re chasing a New Year’s resolution or just looking for an excuse to move, laugh and meet new people, Rec Sports makes it easier to start the semester on a high note. After all, “new year, new you” feels a lot more achievable when it involves a group of friends and a solid game plan.
