With winter term now in session, Oregon club sports teams are looking to shake off the rust from winter break as they begin a new season.
Sports including sailing, volleyball, rugby, lacrosse, snowboarding, skiing, surfing and many indoor gym sports will soon brave Eugene’s winter weather and compete against other northwest and California teams.
The sailing team in particular will face some of the harshest weather as it will travel to compete in California where it is likely to experience some rough sailing conditions.
Club Sports Director Sandy Vaughn believes that “outdoor sports are more apt to play in the winter now that we have artificial turf fields, both our campus and across the country, so that makes outdoor sports more possible to play.”
Vaughn also believes that most student-athletes aren’t fazed by the unappealing environment.
“If they have passion for a sport, they don’t seem to be too deterred by weather conditions,” she said.
Skiing and snowboarding will both begin competition this term; both clubs have been waiting for snowfall on nearby Mount Bachelor, Mount Hood and Willamette Pass. The snowboarding team consists of roughly 96 members and is open to all ability levels.
Unfortunately, transportation space to the mountains is limited and the team will usually take 10-20 members for competitions and practices on the slopes.
Students are still encouraged to join the team if they are interested in developing their skills. Club members also have an opportunity to receive local snowboarding discounts with stores that are associated with the club team.
The ski team holds a roster of 12 men and women and held tryouts for the team this fall. Club membership is only available through the tryouts.
While some of the sports are only beginning to compete, the rugby and lacrosse teams have already faced competition before they start their main season.
Women’s club rugby coordinator Kara Winek believes her team is capable of earning a trip to the national tournament this year as the team has returning All-American Krista Gustand has been undefeated at home for five consecutive years.
The men’s club lacrosse squad returns most of its starters from a team that finished sixth in the nation and first in the Pacific Northwest last year.
For dates and times of games, check either the Club Sports home page or head to the Club Sports office in the EMU.