The majority of high school athletes never get the opportunity to play sports at the collegiate level.
For roughly 1,300 Ball State students, Ball State's Office of Recreation Services offers another outlet for those looking to continue their athletic careers.
Sophomore Josh Wilkinson, who joined the ice hockey team his freshman year, has played the sport since he was three and didn't hesitate to further his career coming out of high school.
“I knew I wanted to continue playing hockey at a higher level of competition," Wilkinson said. "I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the [Sports Club hockey] program and couldn’t be happier with the decision I made."
The various Sports Club organizations not only allow students to further their interest in a sport on a competitive level, but also promote leadership and involvement.
Sports Club senior program director Josh Bisher has overseen the day-to-day operations of the clubs since 2008 and is responsible for helping team leaders manage their organizations in a safe and appropriate manner.
“Beyond providing risk and liability controls for the officers, I have to manage space requests, equipment purchasing procedures and inventory," Bisher said. "I also provide financial oversight and manage a four-person student staff that assists with day-to-day operations. It is our goal to help them be successful both internally and externally."
In addition to giving students a chance to continue a physical activity they enjoy, Sports Clubs benefits students in a multitude of other ways.
“Our Sports Club program helps participants gain a better understanding of time management, leadership, teamwork and communication skills that will be needed after they graduate and secure a professional job,” Bisher said.
Competing in club sports can also benefit participants in ways unrelated to the game, as the organizations host fundraising events, require service hours or require study tables.
“Playing club hockey has [given] me many opportunities that I never thought I would have had,” Wilkinson said. “My grades have improved, and we get to coach youth players.”
Although the majority of Sports Club members are students, faculty and staff members are also eligible to participate on a team.
While it may not have the same glamour as playing on a scholarship, Ball State's Sports Club gives athletes a chance to still play the games they love.
“Besides all the friends I’ve made through club sports, I enjoy still taking pride in a team and playing at a competitive level,” Wilkinson said.
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