14 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
JULY 20 - JULY 26, 2005
ADVICE
KU offers variety of sports clubs
Each week, Mr. College Answer Person offers wisdom and advice to those seeking the "inside word" on the college experience. Submit your questions to mistercollege@kansan.com.
Dear Mr. College Answer Person,
What other sports are popular around here besides basketball and how do I sign up and get involved with teams and clubs at KU?
Andy Spalding, St. Louis freshman
The two primary ways to participate in recreational sports at the University of Kansas are through intramurals and sports clubs. In intramural sports KU students compete against other KU students right here in Lawrence, but in sports clubs, members generally travel and compete against other universities. Some sports clubs, such as martial arts clubs, are more oriented toward instruction and personal development within the sport.
Based on the number of participants, basketball is the most popular intramural sport. Softball and flag football are second and third in popularity, said Kurt Schooley, assistant director of recreation services. The University offers 28 different intramural sports, which are categorized as single, dual, or team sports. Dodgeball will be a new addition to the list this fall.
Almost all intramural sports are free of charge; you simply need to form your team and sign up. Golf and bowling are the exceptions. Because they use off-campus facilities, a modest registration fee is required. Schooley said many students consulted with their residence hall director or resident assistant to organize teams on their floors.
He said another good way to find a team was to just show up to the games — often teams are in need of a couple extra players.
To sign up your team you can either register online at recreation.ku.edu or in person at the Student Recreation Fitness Center, 1740 Watkins Center Drive. Registration will start during the first week of school.
During Hawk Week, the week before classes start, the clubs will set up booths on the lawn of Strong Hall to offer information and recruit members.
Team sports sign up is on the bulletin boards near the gymnasium and raquetball courts. To sign up for individual and dual sports, ask for a registration form at the welcome center at the Rec Center, where you swipe your KUID.
In order to practice with a club, all you have to do is sign a waiver, but regular members are required to pay dues. Kroner said that many clubs fundraise to deflect costs and also have access to equipment you can check out and use for free.
You can also find job openings for intramural officiating on the Web site, said Justin Sloop, intramurals program manager. He said that students were allowed to officiate and participate in the same season.
A good resource for information about clubs and intramurals is at recreation. ku.edu. You can visit this Web site to find calendars and dates, rules for the sports and a contacts page with club officers and dues info. Here you can also find links to the sports clubs' own Web sites.
Mr. College Answer Person
Edited by Erin M. Droste
Pumpkin carving for Potter
Kerrl Henderson/KANSAN
Jake Jordan, Lawrence Free State High School, carves a mystery design into his pumpkin while his friend Molly Greenwell, Free State, draws a design of her own. Pumpkin carving was one of many events that took place during the Harry Potter Midnight Release Party held at the Hawk's Nest in the Kansas Union.