Eugene is known as Track Town USA, so it makes sense that Eli Ettinger, a senior in the College of Education’s Family and Human Services Program, would choose to attend the University.
The Portland native lettered in track and field during all four years at Sunset High School and placed second in all three of his events – the 100-, 200- and 400-meter sprints – at a national race this summer. Ettinger also uses a wheelchair, as a result of spina bifida, a developmental birth defect characterized by the spine’s failure to close properly during pregnancy.
For his senior project, Ettinger, who once missed qualifying for the Paralympics by a second and a half, will be trying to open Club Sports to students with disabilities.
“I was trying to start something because there’s only things for students who need help academically, but socially, there’s nothing out there right now,” he said. “That part is terrific, but on the entire campus, there’s no way for someone who has a disability to get involved and interact with other people on campus.”
In preparation, Ettinger has been researching grant funding opportunities and other schools with similar programs. The wheelchair basketball team at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater won 28 of 30 games last season. The University of Arizona also has eight sports teams for students who use wheelchairs.
As fall term picks up, he plans to administer a survey to see which sports generate the most interest.
“My own personal interest is track and wheelchair racing, but it’s not about me,” Ettinger said. “I want to cater to everybody.”
There are a few guidelines that need to be met in order to start a new club sport, said Club Sports Coordinator Sandy Vaughn.
Requirements include sufficient membership (which varies from sport to sport), a qualified coach, adequate facilities, and a venue to represent the University in competition or exhibition.
“As long as the criteria are met, the request goes to the executive committee and they would consider sponsorship,” said Vaughn, who added that only high-risk activities, such as ultimate fighting and gymnastics, are rejected outright.
There are nearly 50 current club sports, including triathlon, fly fishing, surfing, skydiving and ultimate Frisbee.
Vaughn said Ettinger’s project would be a great addition to Club Sports.
“I think it’d be wonderful,” she said. “Our program is only open to students and that sometimes puts a hindrance – what we’re hoping is that he’d have enough student interest and available competition with off-campus groups.”
Disability Services Director Steve Pickett agrees that club sports for students with disabilities would be a positive thing for the University.
Pickett said that students with disabilities often face so many challenges that they focus exclusively on academics, ignoring the social aspect of college. He added that club sports will help them be more well-rounded.
“Eli’s wanting to make sure that students with disabilities feel like they’re a part of the U of O community,” he said.
Pickett said the University is very accommodating to students with disabilities, more than 700 of whom are registered with Disability Services.
“The Registrar’s Office will move entire sections so that this individual will have elevator access,” he said.
Other services available for students with disabilities include notetaking, sign language interpretation, examinations with alternative formats, and adaptive technology, which involves specialized computer programs, as well as other equipment for reading and writing.
Disability Services is also currently working to finalize a system called Bessman Shuttle, a wheelchair-accessible form of transportation.
Students with disabilities often exert so much energy getting to their classes that once they get there, they’re exhausted, said Pickett, who uses a wheelchair himself.
Pickett is confident in Ettinger’s project.
“I’m sure that Eli will get it off the ground because he’s very persistent and energetic,” he said. “I think that once students are aware of it, he’ll get good response and feedback.”
Get involved
To get involved with Eli Ettinger and his project contact him at [email protected]. To contact Club Sports call 346-3773 or visit their Web site at: http://www.uoregon.edu/~clbsprts/.