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Show August 1. 2000 Sport clubs giue students competitive By Dave Loper sports editor The Signpost Weber State University is no different from other college campuses in that there are certain sports that get more attention than others. Like the Duke football team and the Nebraska basketball team, who both take back seat to the more popular teams on campus, WSU has the same problem. But what about those teams that aren't really considered "teams?" They are in no way supported financially by the university, thus they are given the title of clubs. It's not that the athletes aren't talented or that the club does not win, it just can't gain the support of the university. At WSU there is a variety of club sports that students can take advantage of and join other students with similar interests. Whether you're interested in high action, hard hitting sports like ice hockey, or a more relaxed sport like billiards, WSU has it. And do not mistake WSU club sports for a leisure littleget-together. Some of these clubs have experienced enormous success and have built a foundation of winning that is stable year after year. The ice hockey club, for example, has had no trouble filling the seats at the ice sheet. The club plays within the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Hockey Association (RMCHA) and competes against such teams as the University of Utah, Utah State and Colorado State. "We have to earn everything we have on our own," said hockey coach Rob Larsen. "It takes a lot of special people to make it happen." Last season, the club finished with 17 wins, seven losses and one tie. Led by forward Brett Fuller, who scored 41 goals and racked up 28 assists last season, they were invited to the ACHA Division II National Tournament, where they placed third. Their ranking was the highest finish for any RMCHA team. Larsen is amazed at the dedication of his players, the majority of whom face difficult obstacles just to put on the The Hockey club is just one of ten club sports available on campus. This file photo from last season was taken at a home game in February held at the Ice Sheet near the Dee Events Center. challenge pads. "A lot of our guys areout-of-state guys," he said. "I would say 60 to 65 percent are payingout-of-state tuition and room and board." Larsen added that these out-of-state players must be willing to committ about $10,000 per year to play hockey. The hockey club's season lasts from mid-September to the end of February. Tryouts for the upcoming season were held in June, filling the 25-player roster.The hockey club is, however, providing another way fans can get involved with the club this year. They are experimenting with a booster club for students. They also want to make the tickets cheaper for the students by making available a season ticket form that would only cost $20. Larsen is really excited about the upcoming season and hopes to have more student involvement. "We have an awesome schedule this year. We have schools coming here that we haven't seen in the past, like USC and Oregon," Larsen said. "Having our facility right on campus is a plus. We get a lot of fan support, and we have a strong support from our staff." The WSU baseball club, meanwhile, has experienced similar success. Even though the players will often put themselves in a difficult situation financially, because they are forced to pay for their own equipment and travel expenses, they continue to compete because they enjoy the sport. Last season's Western Regional Baseball Club Championship, which included Eastern Washington, Western Washington and Colorado State, was hosted by WSU and played at Lindquist Stadium, where the Ogden Raptors play. The baseball club has open tryouts every fall. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is one of the highlights of the college years. Find something you're interested in and make the most of it. Other clubs on campus include the following: Billiards, Bowling, Fencing, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Mountaineering, Racquetball, Rodeo, Rugby, Ski, Soccer, Softball, SwimWater Polo, Triathlon and Volleyball. I ' "J !.T 3 V A. . V v 'V Orientation Issue ftitfj Meoad books and the prospects Football Last season The Wildcats finished with a 3-8 overall record, 2-6 in conference play. WSU tallied wins against Western State, Idaho State and Cal State Sacramento. This season In a recent Big Sky Conference coaches poll, the Wildcats were picked to finish sixth in the nine-team conference tied with Cal State Northridge. In a Big Sky media poll WSU was picked to finish seventh. In his third year as WSU's head football coach, Jerry Graybeal is hoping to turn things around with a more seasoned group. The Wildcats are returning 18 starters, including 10 on the offensive side of the ball. Soccer Last season Coming off a disappointing nonconference showing, the Lady 'Cats rallied to finish with a 7-10 overall record, and an impressive 6-1 conference record. WSU qualified for the Big Sky Conference Tournament as the second seed, but couldn't get out of the first round losing to third-seeded Northern Arizona. This Season r - r. The Siqnpost The Lady 'Cats start off their season Aug. 28 with a match at BYU. WSU is returning several players from last year's team, including standout junior goalkeeper Meagan Thunell, seniors Crystal Lunsford and Tara Swallow and Celeste Collins, and WSU's leading goal scorer last season, sophomore Debby VudhiVadhana. Volleyball Last Season Al Givens' bunch finished in seventh place last season with a 14-13 overall record, 7-9 in conference action. The Lady 'Cats were tied for 7th place with Cal State Northridge. The Matadors had the tiebreaker, and took the sixth and final spot in the conference tournament. This Season The Lady 'Cats open up their 2000 campaign at the Dee Event Center on Friday, Sept. 1 against Southern Methodist. Senior setter Carla Miali will lead WSU on the court.. "Her leadership, winning mentality, and attitude will again lead to a successful year," Givens said. "Carla clearly makes our team better." Miali will be joined by senior Mahavia Maxwell, sophomores Shannon Downey, Stephanie Metcalf, and Holly Montano, and freshman Becky Montague. Page 36 Going to the gym-. bring your Wildcard By Leo Tyson Dirr special assignments editor The Signpost If you are headed to the campus gym, bring tons of energy and don't forget your Wildcard because the gym's turnstiles don't take American Express.Weber State University's Health and Physical Education Center offers free admittance to students who present valid Wildcards and access to any of several basketball, racquetball and volleyball courts and a swimming pool. The center is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 5-8 p.m. Students can also rent outdoor equipment at the Wilderness Recreation Center and have body fat tested at the Wellness Center for a fee. |