Scene writer Scott Little takes a look at Notre Dame's lesser known University-sponsored sports clubs
By SCOTT LITTLE
Scene Writer
Here you are at school. It is a lot like a play-dough factory. In you go, a brightly colored blob, and then out you come in a fun shape like stars or spaghetti. The athletic clubs of Notre Dame allow students and professors to reach that next level in their livelihoods by rounding their buttockses and molding their attitudes with the hopes of squeezing out a better-formed person. Here are just a few of the options that you may have overlooked at activities night, but could add the extra dimension to your life that you have been looking for:
Ballroom Dancing
The Notre Dame Ballroom Club may come in handy for anyone who likes to impress the ladies (or gentlemen) with smooth moves and grace. And ladies, you can be as ugly as a worm and still get the guys if you know where to throw your weight around on the dance floor. The group meets two times a week, on Tuesdays (8:30 to 10:00p.m.) and Thursdays (8:00 to 9:30p.m.). The cost is $4 per session or you can pay $30 for the whole semester. It is a great place to get the individual attention that we all crave. A competition is coming to Notre Dame March 31. There will undoubtedly be all your favorite dancing styles including the cha-cha, tango and Latin.
Women's Boxing
When you think about boxing, you probably think about men. Well, not at Notre Dame. The Women's Boxing Team is probably the only women's boxing program in the country. Despite popular belief, the average woman boxer is not a toothless, rough-n-tough, knockabout kind of a girl. They are well-mannered, sleek, cute faced delights. If you are a guy, it is possible to help out, but you have to be good at boxing. So if you are a guy that likes to get beat up by girls, you'll have to dress up like one to get hit by one. They train for four weeks, and instructionally spar for two. They aren't allowed to box in public, like the men's Bengal Bouts, but we all hope they will be able to in the coming years. In order for this to happen the University has to start thinking of the sport like it's Tae-Bo and not mud wrestling.
Triathlons
The Triathlon Club is another gem of the ND/Saint Mary's athletic club tradition. It is currently in its second year. Last semester St. Mary's hosted their own triathlon. It takes a lot of training and dedication, but when you're done you will know three sports — running, swimming and biking. Because there is so much training, a members have to practice on their own from time to time. There are people available to help you set-up a program, though. Only girls belong to this club, but they will accept boys. Contact Jean Tierney if you are interested.
Yard Darts
The Yard Darts Club is new this year. The club president, Anthony Pagliarini, a junior in Dillon hall, is currently accepting new members. He says, "The nice thing about yard darts is that they're awesome." The snow doesn't get in the way because all members have their own set of hoops and darts. They can just pick up and move where ever. They compete with other Midwest schools and hope soon to start hitting the East Coast. The competition is fierce, because the sport is so cutting edge and action packed. The club slogan is, "Where there's a yard, there's a dart."
Sailing
The University of Notre Dame Sailing Club, part of the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association, is often a contender in national competitions. They use St. Joseph Lake for sailing lessons, practices and regattas. Formed in 1950, the club prides itself on being able to balance competition with academic excellence. The sailing club is not in charge of the Fisher Regatta, although that involves boats also.
Climbing
The Climbing Club is a culture all unto itself. It is laid back, which is funny, because one false move and you could die. The club usually goes as a group in a van to some cool climbing place for Spring Break. It is a great place to start learning about climbing without having to make a huge investment in the necessary equipment and gear. They practice at Rockne in the climbing room. There are also several weekend trips to outdoor climbing sites.
Equestrian
The Notre Dame/Saint Mary's Equestrian Club is "horserific." If you've ever wanted to learn how to ride a horse, the opportunity is here. You can get horse riding lessons for $30 a pop and, if you get good, you can start competing. Oh, and yes, you can bring your own horse, but please ask first. This semester there are three shows on the schedule. Horsemanship is an art and equestrian skills do not come easily, these athletes often go without much recognition although they are highly developed. They also have really cool T-shirts.
Rodeo
The Rodeo Club is a relatively new club. They compete with other schools in events like roping, bull riding and steer wrestling. It might seem a little strange to some of us from non-rodeo areas, but in places like Oklahoma and Wyoming, rodeo teams and clubs are large and prosperous. The team is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. There are local rodeos in Elkhart every couple of weeks once the snow is gone, so if you are interested, it wouldn't be a bad idea to go check them out.
There are many other athletic clubs out there. Chances are you are not the only one who likes your favorite sport here on campus. All you have to do is go out and find them. And maybe life seems a little dull lately. There is no better way feel good about the day than by joining a club!
All Scene Stories for Monday, January 29, 2001
