UHCL sports looking to score points with new students
UHCL is upping the game this year with sports on campus by offering students, faculty and alumni fun and affordable options to stay active and make friends on campus.
With the hiring of UHCL’s first campus recreation director, the new Recreation and Wellness Center opening fall 2018 and the recent switch to a four-year university, the campus is making its move toward sports-centered activities.
“There’s not really a culture of intramural sports on campus,” said Brian Mills, director of campus recreation and wellness. “It’s a shame because intramural sports are why I got into this.”
Mills plans to change this in the coming years by organizing a robust intramural program at UHCL.
This semester, the Recreation and Wellness Department will host leagues for table tennis, tennis, Foosball, basketball, kickball and ultimate Frisbee. Registration for most of the leagues begins Aug. 28. Registration for kickball and ultimate Frisbee opens Oct. 2.
Next year, Mills hopes to start a flag football league, if his budget will allow it. He serves on the National Intramural Flag Football Rules Committee and is excited to bring the game to UHCL.
“What I love about intramural sports [is] it has nothing to do with competition,” Mills said. “It has to do with the people that you play with. Intramural sports give you that opportunity to do something fun and unique with your friends.”
UHCL has student organizations on campus, many that are focused on sports. These organizations are run by students for students.
With competitions offering multi-million dollar prizes, colleges are starting to pay attention to eSports. Last year the UHCL ESports club formerly joined Tespa, a North American intercollegiate competitive eSports organization.
Video game enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome, from casual gamers to advanced. The club plans to hold tryouts to form competitive teams for Overwatch, League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm.
“Those three games we’d like to push the most as they have heavy collegiate scenes within the United States and are well established,” said Cameron Balmer, UHCL ESports club president and computer information systems major.
In the coming year, the group plans to host an Overwatch tournament at the Baybrook Microsoft Store, a LAN party and a Halo 2 throwback tournament. On Aug. 18 they will host the final tournament of its summer Super Smash Brothers series.
The Cricket Student Association is another popular club on campus, hosting many successful games throughout the year. The club will host an event called Hawks Cricket League 3 Sept. 2 for new international students.
Beyond being a fun way to meet new people and stay healthy, cricket offers players other benefits.
“[Cricket] helps participants to work as a team which can help them in their professional career,” said Cricket Club President Sandeep Kumar.
One of the newest sports clubs on campus is the Volleyball Club, officially recognized June 28. With 20 people present at its last meeting Aug. 1, the club is off to promising start.
Kate Rivardo, UHCL Volleyball Club co-captain, said that joining sports clubs can have a positive impact students’ health and college career.
“Joining the Volleyball Club will allow students to make connections with other students on campus, can help to relieve stress and just have fun,” Rivardo said. “If anyone is interested in having a more active lifestyle, Volleyball Club is a great start!”
No events are finalized for the coming semester, but the Volleyball Club plans to host bake sales and organize a student versus faculty volleyball game. The Volleyball club meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Delta fields.
UHCL has many sports-centered student organizations that are open to new students. Students are welcome to create new clubs for official recognition by the Student Life Office. Find the full list of student organizations on the Student Life Office’s website.
To find out more about sports offerings on campus:
- Campus Recreation
- eSports Club
- Cricket Student Association
- UHCL Volleyball Club
