Take them seriously.
After a year of undefeated records, national tournament appearances and individual awards, Oregon’s Club sports teams have earned the attention of many.
After placing second in the Pacific Mountain Conference and following a win over Weber State — the 2003 National Club Baseball Association National Champions — Oregon’s Club baseball team (19-8 overall, 13-5 Pacific Mountain Conference) was named Northern Pacific Regional Champion. The team’s first-place performance earned the Ducks a trip to the NCBA World Series in Bradenton, Fla., where they made their first appearance at the tournament.
Although the team failed to win a game at the World Series, Club coordinator and catcher Jon Loomis said the team took away many intangible things from the experience of playing against seven top teams.
“This gives us something to shoot for from here on out,” Loomis said.
The men’s and women’s lacrosse team also made debuts at the national level.
Finishing first in the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League, the men’s lacrosse team (14-7 overall, 8-0 Pacific Northwest League) made its first appearance in the U.S. Lacrosse Men’s Division Intercollegiate Associates National Championship Tournament in St. Louis. Oregon advanced to second-round action after beating Boston
College, 14-10.
“We established ourselves amongst an elite group, and set a precedent for the future,” Club lacrosse coordinator Jon Opet said.
The Ducks lost in the second round against UC Santa Barbara by a score of 12-5.
The women’s lacrosse team (17-6 overall, 8-1 Northwest Region) also earned a trip to the national tournament. The Ducks finished league play in third place and went into regional tournament action hoping to better their league standing. After the Ducks beat top-seeded Washington in the final game by a score of 10-9, Oregon earned the title of Northwest Women’s Lacrosse Division Intercollegiate Associates Champions and a trip to Nationals to join the men in St. Louis.
Oregon took home 11th place and gave six seniors a well-deserved send-off.
Unlike Oregon’s lacrosse teams, Oregon’s Club Sailing team failed to qualify for nationals. However, the Ducks were given several awards within their Northwest Conference. Three members from Oregon’s team were recognized. Rob Duboc was named to the All-Northwest team as an All-Northwest Skipper and Maria Wong was named to the team as a member of the All-Northwest Crew. George Yioulos was awarded the Northwest Leadership Award in response to the hard work and time he has invested in Oregon’s sailing program.
For others, like the Club ultimate frisbee team, greatness seems to be right around the corner. Given another year, Club coordinator David Berney Needleman said the men’s ultimate team will be ready to post a better finish than its fifth place showing at the Ultimate Players Association Northwest Collegiate Regional Championships.