Every year, students at Appalachian have to listen to other students from this university complain that there’s nothing to do at ASU.  Well, there is a solution: club sports.

Appalachian students have the opportunity to get involved in campus life outside of the academic setting by participating in the club sports program here at ASU.

Club sports provides physical and social development for Appalachian students who take part in these activities.

The university has had a club sports program for over 20 years and is affiliated with the University Recreation department, according to current director Joe Carter.

Appalachian offers 16 club sports teams to its students: equestrian, fencing, football, ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, martial arts, men’s and women’s rugby, skiing, women’s soccer, swimming, men’s and women’s ultimate frisbee, men’s and women’s volleyball, and wrestling.

The year has already gotten underway as far as club sports goes: the Club Sports Council had their first meeting August 18.  Club presidents turned in Facility Request forms and Requests for Funds.

The Student Budgetary Council has established a $7,600 budget for this year’s club sports program. There are no academic requirements for students to participate.

“There is no discrimination on age, race or even the fact that a student may have never played the particular sport before that they are interested in,” said Carter.

Students who are interested in playing football, rugby, lacrosse or ice hockey will need to have a physical.

Club Sports programmer Chris Jackson said that equipment will be provided to athletes participating in most sports; however, students are welcome to use their own equipment.

For more information about club sports, call 262-2100 or go by the University Recreation office, room 207 in Broome-Kirk Gym.