USD offers 12 club sports for students

High school graduation marks the end of many students’ athletic careers. Either they don’t possess the skills to move on to the next level, or they become more interested in other activities. Still, the desire to compete lives on within many of these individuals.

For students at USD who wish to renew their love of sports, there are many opportunities to do so. There are several club sports teams at USD that compete with clubs from other colleges around the region.

With sports as familiar as baseball and as obscure as fencing, students are sure to find an activity they can enjoy during their time on campus.

Baseball

After the university dropped baseball as a varsity sport, a club team started in 2004. Each year, the Coyotes finish at or near the top of their conference and play teams from Division I schools such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Iowa.
After yet another competitive season this year, the Coyotes will look to add to an already talented roster and compete for the conference title again.

Rugby

Observers say it’s a mix of football and soccer, but many who play it say its like nothing they’ve ever experienced. Whether male or female, students can decide for themselves what rugby is all about.

Under the guidance of Bryn Chivers, who coaches the USA Under-20 Women’s National Team, the USD women’s rugby club has the benefit of receiving instruction from one of the top rugby minds in the region. With just two seniors gone from last year, the men’s team also looks to have a strong season.

Tennis

USD has a varsity women’s tennis team, but when graduate student Daniel Heckmann arrived at USD two years ago, he was surprised to find there was no team for men to play on. He created the club tennis team from scratch and the squad has competed against college and club teams from around the Midwest for the past two years. Women are also encouraged to join the club and have the opportunity to take part in competitive matches with players from other teams around the region.

Hockey

A short ride from the border of the state of hockey, USD is also home to a club hockey team. Well, sort of. The Coyotes practice and play their home games 25 minutes from campus at Alcoa Ice Arena in Yankton. The team plays in front of rowdy crowds against squads from schools such as South Dakota State University, the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University.

Fencing

For a fraction of the cost it would take to learn fencing elsewhere, students at USD can receive instruction from the school’s theater professor Brian Begley, who has over 25 years of experience in this medieval sport. Members of the club practice every week, with the opportunity to travel around the Midwest to duel against others who share their passion for fencing.

For a complete list of club sports at USD and more information on who to contact to get started in club sports, visit the USD club sports website.

Reach reporter Matt Dahlseid at Matt.Dahlseid@usd.edu.

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