sports

Club athletics an option for all on Auraria Campus

Teams limited only by willing players

By Matt Gunn
gunnma@mscd.edu

Metro doesn't play football, but that doesn't mean it can't have a team.

Though the Roadrunners are limited to only nine varsity teams, there is no restriction on the number of club teams on the Auraria Campus.

"We try to give student athletes the autonomy to handle their teams as they wish," club sports director Peter Julian said.

Beginning this year, the Metro Intercollegiate Athletics Department took over supervision of club sports. While the job was previously handled by campus recreation, the athletics department offers a new level of validity and organization to club athletics.

"The athletic department oversees it and makes sure these teams are playing by the rules," Julian said.

Team membership is not limited to Metro students. Club team membership is open to students at Metro, UCD and CCD. Auraria faculty and staff are also eligible for club membership, though a non-student fee is required. There is no age or NCAA eligibility requirement for club team participation.

Julian explained that most clubs use the Metro name even though they are open to everyone. "They're primarily composed of Metro State students," he said.

The Club Sports Manual, which can be found online at http://gometrostate.collegesports.com, sets guidelines for the creation of a club team.

In individual club sports, such as golf, a minimum of five members is required to establish a team. For team sports like football, there must be enough players to fill a roster. Metro Athletics assists new clubs with necessary paperwork to establish a club team and helps teams maintain compliance.

Beyond the guidance of the athletic department, club teams are left to manage themselves. It is up to the club to appoint a president and coaches, and to build a competitive schedule. It is also up to the club team to create a budget.

Metro clubs are partially self-funded, and they have to make the most of their money. The athletics department can fund up to 50 percent of any request. There are strict guidelines as to what Metro's money can be used for, such as hotel costs and national dues.

Not every game is a home game, and club teams have the same access to transportation as the varsity teams.

"They do have access to the state motor pool," Julian said, "and they play by the same rules as varsity teams do. As long as they have it in the budget, they have access."

Budget or no, club teams play out of a passion for their sport.

There are currently seven sports clubs on the Auraria Campus, ranging anywhere from ice hockey to Tae Kwon Do. It is left to the students to determine which sport comes next at Metro.