In the spirit of sport, club teams define IU athletics

As a sports fan, I always find myself amazed when I sit down to admire the collegiate athletes I see on television, making big, clutch plays and causing droves of people to stand up and cheer. Athletes such as D.J. White and Kellen Lewis, who might one day find themselves being paid to play their respective games, hold the attention of thousands of fans around the world. Students and alumni measure success by comparing the current state of the major athletic programs to each storied history. Some may say that those players define the spirit of sport.\nBut the spirit extends far beyond the playing fields and arenas of IU. Although most Hoosiers stand in support of our nationally touted NCAA Division I athletics programs, the blood and sweat of those who will never see a huge contract or sign a Gatorade endorsement deal present a better example the true meaning of sports in Bloomington. Enter the IU ultimate frisbee club team, who placed 11th in their recent national tournament after a 12-year absence from championship competition. Or take the IU Figure Skating team, which finished fourth at national championships this year, repeating its performance of a year ago in April. And consider the women’s rugby team, who are intent on moving up divisions next season. These club teams have at least one thing in common: Their participants simply love their sports. Not for glory, fame or fortune – but for love of the game.\nThe beauty of recreational teams at IU might be found in some of the regulations pertaining to the 41 clubs. The rules, in the spirit of allowing as many as want to join teams to do so, say no team is allowed to hold tryouts or make cuts. The Division of Recreational Sports is dedicated to protecting the rights of all individuals involved in its programs, all-star athletes and occasional joggers alike, to pursue athletics as they see fit. The spirit of sports is not solely found among the few who make stadiums buzz, but among the many who play in our recreational programs. \nThe IU community should recognize the spirit of sport inherent at the University in these participants. IU is inundated with academic and career-related extracurricular programs, and many students sacrifice the fun of recreation for work. But those who take to the field, bat, ball or ping-pong paddle must have some inescapable need for sport.\nSo when an outsider asks what makes IU one of the greatest sports schools in this nation, take time to ponder whether the definition can be wholly encompassed by men slam-dunking balls on national television, undefeated records at Assembly Hall, the continued pursuit of a bowl game or a history that includes NCCA championships and thrown chairs. A look around campus will reveal that sports are much more than that in Bloomington. They hold the community together at the seams through participation as well as observation. And if a friend brings up the question on the way to a softball game, fencing match or a swing dance competition, answer it candidly. While pointing to the person beside you, say “They do.”