The Rocket

Issue date: 2/10/06 Section: Opinion

Jess Rupell - Staff Writer

Although I wasn't personally affected by the school's decision to cut eight varsity sports, as a long time athlete, I felt for those who were. While deep down I know every athlete expected this day for years, no one actually thought it would happen - and to such a large number of sports at one time.

Yet, money is always a factor with athletics, and with the financial increases throughout campus, something's got to give. Unfortunately for the 122 current athletes and the athletes who were looking forward to playing for the school next year, this cut forced them to give up their passion for whatever sport they played, at least at this university.

But what is really so awful about club sports? When I knew I was coming to this school my senior year, I almost immediately began to think about what sports I could possibly play. Once I thought it over though, I decided upon playing a club sport, as I knew it would probably take up less time, but still be fun and keep me active.

So, as August approached, I knew that rugby would most likely be the new sport I would play in the fall. Before I knew it, practices were underway. And so far, it's been an amazing experience.

Many people think that because the sport isn't labeled "varsity," no one really cares about it and the club becomes a joke. On the contrary, I know a good number of people from both the men's and women's rugby teams who are some of the most dedicated athletes I've ever met. We practice hard in all weather conditions, we give blood, sweat and tears to the pitch and we play hard every minute of every game (and many of us have the bruises to prove it). Sure, we don't get near the funding that varsity sports do, and yeah, we may not have the opportunity to get scholarships from the school for our abilities, but we most certainly have the passion and drive that any other varsity athlete does at this school, or at any other school.

Most importantly, the athletes on these teams have a strong bond with each other. In fact, when I went to my first rugby meeting, the one thing I remember clearly is some of the girls saying that they are like a family and the girls on the team are their best friends. Like any group, there are the occasional fights, but one thing's for sure: being labeled a club sport definitely does not mean we are lacking in team bonding. In fact, there aren't many things that varsity sports have that we don't.

I understand that the cutting of eight of our varsity sports has been really hard for a lot of people on this campus. But since it seems that there isn't much we can do to reverse the decision, why not suck it up and make them club sports? Because honestly, they can take away your varsity status, they can take away some funding, but when it comes down to it, they can never take away your team and the family you've created.

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