Gogo Jones
Reporter
With over 20 varsity sport programs, NCHS is home to hundreds of athletes. And while many will go on to play in college, the vast majority will not. For those who love playing the game but don’t find being a member of an official college team an option, club sports provide a fun and competitive alternative.
“I’ve played hockey since I was two, so I knew I didn’t want to give it up when I went off to college,” senior Ritchie Shane said, who will try out for the UCONN men’s club hockey team this winter. “I made sure that the schools I applied to had club hockey so I could play in a more competitive league than intramurals, but still not have the commitment of actually playing a legit college sport.”
Billy Calanca, class of 2008, who will graduate from college this spring, played club basketball at Villanova University. Like Ritchie, he wasn’t ready to give up his sport after high school. “I was passionate about basketball and wanted to continue playing it competitively,” Billy said. “Most of the guys on the Nova club team could have played Division 3 somewhere but chose not to.”
Emily Greene, class of 2011, who also attends Villanova, wasn’t as positive about the decision. “High school tennis always had drama and I had enough of it by senior year,” she said. “But after being informed about how much fun it was, and the opportunity to meet a new group of people, I figured it was a win-win.” Of the 80 kids to try out, Emily was one of four girls to make the team.
While still very competitive, a major benefit of playing club is the flexibility it offers. “We have practice three times a week for an hour and a half, and you go if you can make it,” Emily said. “There are some people that don’t show up at all and there are people that show up every week.” This informality can be a very big plus, especially during exam time. “Attendance isn’t mandatory,” Billy said. “School comes first.”
This balance is attractive to Ritchie who still wants to be involved, but have time for other things as well. “I am willing to put in a serious commitment because I want to be part of a team that still takes hockey seriously, but doesn’t need to spend hours each day watching film or having team meetings,” Ritchie said. “I just want to play.”
Because most club teams don’t have a league-regulated game schedule, the season revolves around national invite tournaments. Emily traveled with 17 other club members to the 2012 National Club Tennis Tournament in Cary, North Carolina. “It was really fun because we got to stay in a hotel for four days with different schools, such as Columbia and Northeastern,” she said. “I also got to see two of my best friends and former teammates, Kimmy Glerum and Kate Mannelly. It was awesome to have three of the four 2011 seniors meet up again to play tennis.”
Billy’s team, which played in eight tournaments across the country, placed third overall in this year’s national men’s club basketball tournament.
Financially, dues are typically paid in the beginning of the season to cover jerseys, apparel and travel expenses. “We often do fundraisers on campus to help raise all the money we will need,” Billy said. “We also have a club sports advisor help us with all of our finances.”
Overall, playing club is more than just athletics and competition. “I consider everyone on my club team to be some of my closest friends,” Emily said. “We spend so much time together at practice, tournaments and social events- that we become a family. We will have parties or team dinners at least once a month, sometimes more.”
“My favorite part of club is the guys I’ve met over my four years,” Billy said. “Everyone is friends with one another, and it makes playing ball a lot more enjoyable.”
If you think playing club might be for you, Emily recommends staying in shape over the summer, as tryouts can get pretty competitive. “Just don’t get too uptight about it and remember to be friendly,” she said. “In a sense they are picking people not only based on ability, but also if they could see themselves being friends with you.”
