By Carlee Berkenkemper
Elm Staff Writer
If you’re looking for a way to stay warm this winter, keeping your energy up by participating in club sports is the perfect opportunity.
Club sports offered at Washington College during the spring semester include groups such as women’s volleyball, Mixed Martial Arts, women’s field hockey, Dance Club, watersports, and women’s basketball.
Many club teams that began recruiting in the fall, including soccer, rugby, and lacrosse, remain active throughout the spring as well.
“The club sports we offer are for the people on campus who still want to compete but not at the commitment level of a varsity team,” said Coordinator of Campus Recreation Steve Kaneshiki.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to build a resume. There’s leadership, organization, and marketing, all mixed into one if you want to be on the leadership side of the teams,” Kaneshiki said, though he also stressed the opportunities club sports give students to stay active, have fun, and create new friendships.
Junior Emily Kreider, secretary of the Dance Club, has experience with both participation and leadership in the club.
Kreider said that being part of Dance Club since her freshman year helped her transition into college, meet new people, and have a break from stressors and responsibilities that come with being a college student.
“Everyone brings their own styles and abilities, and it’s so much fun to get to learn from each other,” she said. “Everyone is so positive and encouraging, and we welcome members with all ranges of dance experience. Whether you’ve been dancing since forever or have never taken a class, I encourage you to give dance club a try.”
This semester, Dance Club is offering classes in varying levels of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern, and all are welcoming to participate. Visit the Dance Club Facebook page to view a full schedule of classes.
Similarly, senior Joshua Peterson, president of WC Watersports, is already encouraging people to come out during their season, which will kick off sometime in April as the weather improves.
“Once we can get back into the water, we will try and run trips three to four times per week. We teach waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Anyone with a swim test can come out on a trip with us. We like to have as many people as possible,” said Peterson.
Aside from the established club sport offerings, Kaneshiki is passionate about making sure there’s something for all students to enjoy. Students are welcome to contact him at any time during the year with ideas or questions.
This semester, to reach an even larger part of the student body, Kaneshiki is working to start an E-Sports team.
“There are so many different types of people who play video games — it’s tremendous,” Kaneshiki said, speaking about his goal of unity through this new club.
“It will be something everybody can associate with no matter what major you are, what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, anything.”
Whether you are very competitive or simply want to play for fun, E-Sports will have a place for all. The club plans to utilize Discord, an online platform, as a safe space for members to communicate and join different channels of interest whether it’s for a specific game or just talking to others about college life in general.
To find out more about both recreational and competitive gaming at WC, email Kaneshiki at skaneshiki2@washcoll.edu.
If you are interested in women’s field hockey, women’s basketball, Mixed Martial Arts, or women’s volleyball, the respective club president or organizer can be contacted at dmaull2@washcoll.edu, skaneshiki2@washcoll.edu, jmanaraze2@washcoll.edu, or jaristilde2@washcoll.edu.
If you are interested in any other club sport offerings, you can contact the presidents of each club through the Johnson Fitness Center website.