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An exciting way to score on campus By Jocelyn Contner
He goes for the pass. He sprints down the field and stops to prepare for the score. As it soars in his direction, he dives for the Frisbee. This is not a backyard game. At Kent State, players like to think of it as the ultimate game. Kent Ultimate, Kent State's Ultimate Frisbee team, first stormed Manchester field in fall 1997. The Frisbee team distinguishes itself as one of several unconventional sports clubs being formed on campus. Those interested in roughing the elements can choose from kayaking, backpacking or rock climbing. Breaking the mold of traditional intramurals, broomball players have been seen wearing bandannas and camouflage pants with their tennis shoes - an unlikely scene for a physically intensive game played on ice.
Together, these clubs make up Kent's version of extreme sports.
Some refer to Ultimate Frisbee as the "college sport of the '90s." "You just show up and play," says Chris Hercik, the club manager. "Some days we have four people and some days 20." The disk must be passed to advance down the field, and the person holding the Frisbee cannot be tackled. Kent Ultimate has challenged teams from Case Western Reserve University, Ohio University and the Kent Stark campus. The team meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Field House during winter and at Manchester Field in spring. WHEN NATURE CALLS
This venturesome group, which was formed in the fall, has already scoured the Allegheny National Forest, North Country Scenic Trail, Twin Lakes Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Members go the distance strapped with sleeping bags, stoves, boots and sometimes guitars. "He just strapped his guitar on his back," says manager Matt Windt, about member Jason Dawson. "It was great. He played folk music for the group as they ate oatmeal around the campfire." The backpacking club meets once a month in Room 278 of the Gym Annex. The club is open to all, but space is limited. Dues vary from $15 to $20 a semester, which covers transportation to scheduled outings. Members also need to invest in their own hiking and camping equipment. UMAMI, HERE THEY COME Broomball looks just like hockey, minus the skates, traditional sticks and pucks. This coed intramural sport isn't as easy as it looks from the stands, though. First, the players wear tennis shoes instead of ice skates. In place of a regular hockey stick, they strike the puck with a 3-foot tall wooden stick that has a sturdy rubber wedge on the end, which slightly resembles a broom. Stymie Doolan, a member of the team, "Uncle Sam's Misfits," says even the most athletic players come out of the rink struggling to catch their breath. Although players occasionally collide or slide into a wall, broomball involves less rough contact than hockey. Broomball players don't need to wear as much of the bulky pads and protective gear worn in hockey, and they're less likely to be called on penalties for unnecessary contact with a player. A broomball game consists of two 15-minute periods. Six players from each team are required to be on the ice at all times, two of whom must be females. A maximum of 15 players is allowed on a team's roster, and when it reaches that many, there is a charge of $10 a semester. "It's always competitive," Doolan says. "It takes a while to wind down after a game." Kent State is home to two broomball leagues - 18 teams that compete for a title at the end of the semester. Some of the crazier team names are "V.D. (venereal disease) Free since '83," "Clogged Arteries," "Porn Stars" and "Umami." Most teams dress in original costume during games. Members of Uncle Sam's Misfits look like rebel guerrillas in their camouflage uniforms. AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH
The rock climbing club was formed last fall and meets once a month at the rock climbing wall in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Members take regular weekend trips to state parks and reserves. Club managers suggest that members have their own equipment for climbing. Rental harnesses, helmets, ropes, shoes and chalk are available at the Rec Center pro shop. Rough Riders The kayaking club made its first splash in 1991. It has grown to more than 50 members who practice at 8 p.m. every Monday and Thursday in the Annex pool. Meetings sometimes begin with a short video on safety recorded from a member's trip. The club then moves to the pool to learn new moves and safety tips. The last half-hour is devoted to a game of Calvin Ball, which is played like water polo without rules, says club manager Jeff Mullins.
"Even beginners will go on trips because there is so much to do," Mullins says. Some members also choose to go hiking or rock climbing during their outings. No experience is necessary to join, but instructional workshops will be offered in the Rec Center. For $10 a semester, students can join and gain full access to the pool and kayaks. |
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