With the new semester starting and classes going into session, many students find themselves adjusting back to campus life. As they adjust, they may find themselves struggling with the mental load and suffering from a lack of organizational skills.
Fortunately, this sense of organization is a key component to starting a new club sport, from making sure the club is advertised to having a good roster of members. This semester brings many new clubs, and among those, the new Track and Field Club.
“This club was created to give both athletes and non-athletes the opportunity to practice and compete in track and field,” president Jakayla Kyles said. “It is open to newcomers, returning athletes, injured athletes, those who are bored or anyone in between.”
The Track and Field Club’s primary goal is to build awareness while creating a strong and supportive community among its members.
“We plan to reach out to other universities with similar club teams and compete against them when possible,” Kyles said. “Athletes will also have the option to compete in official meets as unattached athletes, gaining experience at higher levels if that is something they are interested in.”
The biggest difference between the club team and the intercollegiate program is the flexibility in commitment. Attendance isn’t mandatory and input from athletes is valued. There are opportunities for those who are new to the sport as well as those who want to compete at a Division III level.
“In addition to track and field events, we plan to offer lifting opportunities and group activities, creating an inclusive environment for those who want to compete and those who simply want to be involved,” Kyles said.
Kyles, however, was not the only person behind the idea to create the new club sport as another person was involved and is serving as a right hand.
“We wanted the club to be created to have a less commitment-heavy way to still enjoy track and field,” vice president Jack Vredeveld said. “Our goals for this year are to grow the team and find as many new members as we can.”
The club was formed in just under two weeks of preparation, as the idea quickly formed between the two as they held conversations while at work. The process was as simple as filling out forms and creating a constitution; making their dream a reality.
“We’re hoping to participate in Whitewater track meets and other small level ones we can get into,” Vredeveld said. “Our club is different because anyone can run for the club team without a tryout or having to make the varsity team.”
For Kyles and Vredeveld, their focus is now on growing the club and preparing the team for future competitions.
