Have you ever thought that all Hillsdale students are either nerdish bookworms who could be blown away by a strong gust of wind or varsity athletes just looking for the easiest professor? There is a third group of students on campus. They play club sports.
Students who play on a club team are weapons both in the classroom and on the field, defying campus stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings — and teeth. Watch a club game, and you may find out that your classmate Cornelius Foureyes is actually a skilled soccer player.
These student-athletes might not have funding or facilities (yet), but they’ve got passion to spare. Hillsdale students, faculty, and alumni should make time this homecoming to support that passion and cheer for a club sports game.
This weekend features a riveting slate of club sports action. First: a soccer doubleheader on Friday night under the buzzing Hayden Park lights. The women’s team kicks off against Western Michigan University at 6 p.m., followed by their male counterparts, who will face Grand Valley State University at 8 p.m. Both clubs expect entertaining matches. Club president Madison Gilbert stressed there will also be free food available.
Next, on the Hayden Park grass, this year’s unbeaten rugby team takes on conference rival Xavier University at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday — which leaves you plenty of time to catch the football team’s latest attempt to return to .500. While rugby may seem strange and foreign, all you really need to enjoy the match is an appreciation for a bone-crushing tackle, a wicked side-step, or an eminently likeable forwards coach like this reporter.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to come and root like mighty Casey was advancing to the bat, perhaps it would help to recall the strongly-held Hillsdale conviction that your future spouse could be hiding just behind the corner flag.
Ladies, if you want a man with too much brain trauma to question your impulse SHEIN purchases, look no further than the rugby team. While their below-average intelligence may seem to be the result of Tylenol absorbed in utero, let me assure you that they earned their low IQ the old-fashioned way: concussions!
Men, if your taste runs toward women who put the bonita in joga bonita, consider investing some sweat and toil into a handheld “Go Women’s Soccer” sign — it may pay dividends.
But if you’re not in the market for a homemaker or house husband, don’t let that stop you from enjoying homecoming. Grab your spirit gear, paint your face blue, and cheer on club sports.
Charles Hickey is a sophomore studying the liberal arts.
