Commuter school? Not here. At least that?s the idea coming from the Recreational Sports Department. The department known as “rec sports” on campus is a 40 plus student staff in charge of aiding and supervising student group athletic activities.

The department is responsible for seven recreation clubs that meet every week sharing their common interest in their respective sport–hopefully shaking the rap of “commuter school” in the process.

“We?re trying to get people together meeting each other doing something they all love, tennis,” said tennis club president Brent Bynum.

“Everyday people leave class and jump in their car and drive 40 minutes to their home, hopefully this club will convince people to stay on campus,” added Bynum.

Besides the tennis club there are six other clubs for which students can choose from; badminton, ski/snowboarding, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , martial arts, soccer and ballroom dancing.

Most clubs on the average meet at least once a week and in some cases more. They are student organizations so they are not sanctioned or funded by the university.

“They can receive a DOC grant or a SEL grant anything else comes from the student?s pocket? the ski club has a once a year fundraiser for themselves that helps,” said recreational Sports Coordinator Ken Morton.

Morton then added that most fees students encounter are minimal because most facilities they need could be found on campus.

The process to start a club begins with eight full-time students, one member of the faculty to act as a sponsor, fill out a form and attend a workshop. “It?s similar process to any other student group on campus such as a sorority or fraternity,” says Morton.

According to Morton there are two clubs were added this semester, cycling and triathlon. Morton hopes that these new clubs plus the seven existing will, “Promote togetherness while getting people active, bringing like-minded minds together.”

Morton in his first year as coordinator disputes the tag as “commuter school” saying that half the student body lives close to campus just not on campus. He hopes these clubs will build spirit on campus and make students a part of something.

“Our club has about 60 members some beginners and some experts, all levels are invited to join,” says ski club member Jared Amalong.

Amalong says that their club meets expenses by their annual November ski sale and all pitching in on lift passes and cabin accommodations. Pointing out that the costs are much more bearable when split up in a group.

The ski club like most other clubs try to recruit member at the beginning of every semester by setting up booths and handing out flyers in the Library Quad urging students to join, regardless of skill level. Numbers are what keep clubs going so the battle to keep them up continues every semester. Because like Bynum says, “You never know you just might meet your wife or husband out there.”

For more information about rec sports visit Peak Adventures in the Union or call (916) 278-5384.