The excitement of competition, the joy of victory, the bonds between team members and getting in great physical shape while having a good time attracts countless students into joining sports teams. The fear of losing, the angry wrath of coaches and the time constraints of making it to practices and games while keeping up grades often, unfortunately, keeps many students from a great part of college life.

Sacramento State has a solution for those who just want to get together every now and then to have a good time: recreational sports. Having more than two dozen different sports to choose from, it’s a challenge to find a sport that isn’t available.

The level of competition also varies between the sports, with some teams traveling and competing at national tournaments while others just meet for the enjoyment and exercise. The traveling teams are also less demanding than sports affiliated with the NCAA, often playing against schools in California until the end of the season.

“To get involved in sports, the more fun you’re going to have,” said Ryan McCallum, assistant coordinator for Rec Sports. “You’re going to increase your circle of friends.”

Recreational sports are divided into two groups: rec clubs and sport clubs. Rec clubs are the sports most students just play for fun, with only a few having tournaments. Rec clubs include badminton, ballroom dancing, bowling, capoeira, Hornets on the Move (walking and running), judo, martial arts, mixed martial arts, racquetball, salsa loca, ski and snowboard, table tennis, ultimate Frisbee, wrestling and wushu. There is also the Morris League, which is baseball separate from the collegiate baseball team.

Sport clubs have a higher level of competition, with most having a national tournament and receiving funding through Associated Students, Inc. Sport clubs include ice hockey, men’s rowing, men’s rugby, men’s volleyball, Olympic weightlifting, triathlon, wake boarding, water skiing, women’s rugby and women’s volleyball.

“They’re not NCAA sports, but some train like it,” McCallum said. “They represent the university and they represent it well.”

No new sports are going to be added this semester, but none will be lost due budget crisis either. Last semester, bowling was added and was in danger of being discontinued this semester, but will remain. Freshmen or seniors, beginners or experts, all students are encouraged to join a sport.

“There’s a position for everybody,” said Kristina Weber, president of the women’s rugby club. “You don’t need experience to play.”

Weber is a graduating senior and has been a member since her freshmen year.

“It’s been really positive, you get lots of people who have played all sorts of sports,” she said.

The team accepts anybody who wants to join.

“We don’t make cuts. It’s about teaching people about rugby as well,” she said.

Even if students aren’t interested in joining, Weber still hopes students will support the team.

“We could always use more fans,” she said.

For students attending their first semester, Rec Sports is a perfect way to feel more involved on campus.

“I was new to Sacramento and I didn’t really know people,” said Chad Higgins, a member of the Ski and Snowboard club.

Kirat Bains, a junior who has never joined a club, said she was considering joining the Ski and Snowboard club after talking to representatives outside their booth on the first day of classes.

“I like the outdoors, but I don’t get out much,” Bains said. “I don’t have a lot of experience, but it’s good to get support.”

The Ski and Snowboard team takes trips up to Northstar and Sierra Tahoe whenever it collectively gets the opportunity.

“There’s always beginners but I’ve felt you should go with people better than you, that’s how you get better,” Higgins said.

While Rec Sports are less time consuming than NCAA sports, members do need to find time for practice and events.

“I would like to, but I don’t have the time,” said sophomore Eden Marin. “Racquetball, Skiing and Tae Kwon Do all look interesting.” Marin has never joined a club and doesn’t plan to this semester.

Students looking to attend various sporting functions can also purchase tickets from the Rec Sports office across from Mellow-Me-Out in the University Union. The office will offer discount tickets to students for certain events throughout the semester.

Special events, like yesterday’s Get Rec’d Night, are also held throughout the year to get students and faculty to get together and have a great time. Get Rec’d Night is an annual dodgeball tournament in Yosemite Hall with hundreds of players along with a few faculty teams.

The annual 5-on-5 intramural basketball season is also about to start playing games again on Monday. The entry deadline for entering the four-week season is today by 5 p.m. Like any Rec Sport, anybody wanting to play is welcome to walk up and start their semester with a great experience.

Mitchell Wilson can be reached at [email protected]