When Division I college athletics are not an option, but the desire to compete still burns inside, what is a BG student looking to continue his or her athletic endeavors to do? Some could be sucked in by the wonder of sloth that is college life without mandatory workouts, and embrace the “freshman 15.” However, for those who want to continue being active and partake in serious competition, club sports may be the perfect resolution for the out-of-work high school athlete. Here’s a look at two BG club sports that provide students this opportunity, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
BGSU Curling Club
Who are they?
The Bowling Green Curling Club, originated and operated by Nik Geller, is active September through March. The group is only a year old. Geller started it during his time at the University.
What do they do?
Using the stretch of ice in the Ice Arena, Geller and the other curlers host “Learn to Curl” nights, which are dedicated to helping interested students learn the game. One of the nights is reserved exclusively for intramural teams. The Curling Club also competes on a regional and national level. “We also compete against other schools at the regional and national level and we also plan to host our own tournament this coming season,” Geller said.
Why should you care?
The curlers provide a chance to learn and compete actively in an Olympic sport on ice that is only theirs. “We are the only university in the US that has curling ice on campus. And we are the only club that uses it,” Geller said. According to Geller this past season, one team from the club won gold at their regional event. The two BG national teams placed second in division four and third in division three.
What’s it like?
According to Geller, despite the fact that he was starting the club from scratch and many of the people he was with didn’t know how to run a sports club, the year took a positive turn. “Once the season was up and running it was an absolute blast,” Geller said. “Almost everyone that came to our ‘Learn to Curl’ nights came back and joined the club,” Geller said.
How to contact them:
Nik Geller, president of the BGSU Curling Club: [email protected]
BGSU Men’s Club Soccer
Who are they?
Mike Hoffmeister, who is the president and a co-student supervisor for intramurals, runs the BGSU Men’s Soccer Club. Hoffmeister has been involved with the soccer club for four years, but the club has been with BGSU for 30 years.
What do they do?
“Our club practices and competes in intercollegiate soccer games throughout the Midwest,” Hoffmeister said. The club is active during the fall semester, playing from August through October. The club makes use of the Perry Field House and the intramural fields during the school year. The team has traveled to places like Chicago to play, and intends to go to Southern Illinois this coming year, according to Hoffmeister. “Our club offers incoming freshman the opportunity to jump right into a sport that is very competitive and intense,” Hoffmeister said.
Why should you care?
They compete against other collegiate soccer teams, often beating some of the best in the region. “Some good clubs we have beaten are University of Dayton, Ohio State University and Northern Illinois,” Hoffmeister said.
What’s it like?
Hoffmeister describes his first year on the team as a reassuring time in his life. “The upperclassmen made me feel comfortable on the team while we had fun and learned a lot at the same time,” Hoffmeister said.
How to contact them:
Mike Hoffmeister, president of the BGSU Men’s Soccer Club: [email protected]
