Club Sports Ready to Kick Off the New School Year

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The University Recreation Club Sports program is gearing up for a new season and is looking for new athletes to join in on the action. Last year the program hosted 30 different clubs with a total of 1,102 athletes. Out of the 30 clubs, 11 competed for a national championship in their respective sport.

In their first national appearance, Swim Club member Joey Nemesi placed third overall in the 200 yard backstroke and individual medley at the United States Master's Swimming National Meet while teammate Lucas Cummin took 10th place in the 100 yard backstroke. The men's Soccer Club also had a great season, winning the Oklahoma Collegiate Club Soccer League and competing in the National Intercollegiate Recreational Sports Association National Championship for the first time in club history. Ballroom Club members Sara Ping and Tom Shinn took first place in Newcomer Tango and Waltz at the National Collegiate Dance Sport Championship. The men's Ice Hockey Club won their third Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference Championship in four years.

Aside from their athletic success last year, the program also stayed well involved in supporting the Northwest Arkansas community. Club members donated a total of 1,525 pounds of food to the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry. Clubs also donated 4,839 pounds of clothing benefiting LifeSource International, and had 80 successful blood donations given to the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks.

"Competing in club sports is a great way for athletes to continue their athletic careers after high school while representing the University of Arkansas in a wide variety of sports," said Ryan Ellison, president of the men's Rugby Club. "They also provide a great way to meet new friends, stay involved in the local community, and learn important life skills."

The program is hosting its second annual Club Sports Fair in the Arkansas Union Connection Lounge from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Wednesday, Aug. 28. The Information Fair is a great place for students, faculty and staff to ask questions about Club Sports to officers, as well as provide a chance to get to know current club athletes.

"The Club Sports Fair allows clubs to interact with a wider variety of people involved with the University of Arkansas community and is also great for team building," said Lisa Beasley, president  of the Cycling Club and a member of the Club Sport Advisory Council.

For those interested in joining one of University Recreation's 30 club sports, please check out a list of all on-campus club practices at urec.uark.edu. Off-campus clubs will need to be contacted directly for information regarding practice times and locations. Many club practices will start at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, but it is suggested to contact club officers to verify practice dates through the Club Sport's Active Clubs page.

For any questions regarding the Club Sports Fair or participation, please contact Shannon Dere at 479-575-6736 or email sclubs@uark.edu.