166 .The Michigan Daily Weeken Magaine - Thursday, November 6, 1997

0:

0

0


SPORTS
Continued from Page 3B
game. Last weekend, the club emerged No. I
in the region and will again head to nationals,
in Pftenix. The players will pay their way
there.
"For a university with this stature to not sup-
port the world's most popular sport ... it's a
real shame," said Burns, who hopes to see soc-
cer made a varsity sport. "The athletic depart-
ment needs to look at the trends in sports."
Mike Stevenson, director of recreational

sports, said men's soccer is being seriously
considered for varsity status by the Board in
Control of Intercollegiate Athletics. He
expects the board, composed of students, fac-
ulty and alumni, to reach a decision by the end
of the academic year.
"There are a number of issues that are taken
into consideration," he said, citing gender
equity, available facilities and a team's com-
petitive history.
Clubs that wish to become varsity can peti-
tion the board, he said, and a few do each year.
But Stevenson called the club program "great"

and "probably the most comprehensive pro-
gram in the nation."
"They may have more intercollegiate athlet-
ics," he said of other Big Ten schools, "but
they don't support them in the way we do."
Even if not varsity, club athletes enjoy a
variety of experiences. Not all teams are com-
petitive, and many clubs welcome beginners.
Gaspari had never boxed before joining the
club team.
"I always had an interest," said Gaspari, who
said older members help coach beginners.
"You're just encouraged to learn there."

"We're really proud of our program;' said
Lauren Davis, an LSA senior on the women's
water polo team. The team, Big Ten champions
for nine years in a row, hopes to better its
record at the national competition next May.
Clister said the women's soccer team is com-
posed of players who were high school stars
but either didn't make the varsity team, or did-
n't have time for a varsity commitment.
"I can't stress enough what a nice thing this
is to have," Clister said. "The club sports, it's a
nice opportunity. I don't know what I would've
done without it."


*o"..OOpa~ir'

ALpawoa Waal Eweat te r

Aelf sri d Imbiok
Fl eJ "ulla1~rt a
Long lwl elm> '

11

ma o.rtate t. (upstOirs)
An Alb or, M 4SI 4

Al1lJmtm*).jr J UC eal irdr
Ac pteri

EMILY NAHAN/Uady
Members of the synchronized swimming club practice at Canham Natatorium.
Getting involved
Who's eligible for club sports?
All students are eligible to join
club sports teams. Faculty and
staff can join after purchasing a
Recreational Sports User Pass.
Dates to remember:
Dec. 19 - Last day for
scheduled fall term practice
times
Jan. 7 - Winter term
scheduled practices begin
Jan. 23 - Winter term
participation fees due
Apr. 14 - Information about
spring/summer facilities
available
r per h
Apr. 21- Last day for
scheduled winter term practice
times
0 Need more information?
Call the Club Sports Office at
763-4560,.or the Intramural
Sports Office at 763-3562.
h:/w Online information:
http://www.recsports.umich.edd

Source: Club Sports Program Manual