This past Labor Day weekend officially marks the first complete week of classes and marks the start of a new school year at the University of North Dakota. This also signifies the startup of many of the university’s ran organizations and a new lineup for Rec Sports as league play begins kicking off the fall season of recreational sporting events available for university students and staff alike.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Rec Sports program, it is designated for students, faculty, and staff who are part of the UND community to have a social outlet and play differing sports at either the D2 or D3 level in a safe and competitive environment. For those who are looking for a slightly more competitive sporting scene, the D2 level offers a higher level of competition than the D3 leagues. This fall, there are five different sports offered to register and play in during the first half of the semester during the Fall 1 season.
These sports include volleyball, sand volleyball, 2v2 bowling, 2v2 badminton, and 2v2 pickleball. Aside from bowling, which takes place on Sunday nights, all the other sporting games take place at the Wellness Center located on campus.
Volleyball is the first sport that is offered and is comprised of a men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions enabling you to sign up and play in a competitive league of your liking with your friends. Teams are comprised of six players and games are officiated by certified Rec Sports officials in which are familiar with the game and play a pivotal role in ensuring that games are managed in a fair manner. Games are played in a best of three sets format, with the first two sets being played up to 21 points, and if a third set is needed, it is out of 15.
Sand volleyball is a new sport being introduced this year and follows the same rules that constitute the traditional volleyball games; however, they will be played on the sand courts located outdoors, offering a unique variance to the game and enabling competitors to enjoy the favorable temperatures that Grand Forks offers in the months leading up to the winter.
Both badminton and pickleball will be played during weeknights and have been brought back due to the rapid growth in popularity of both sports. Games are to be self-officiated amongst competitors, and scores are to be reported to designated scorekeepers at the end of each match. Arguably two of the more laid-back sports that the fall season offers makes a great option if you are seeking a competitive outlet in a relaxed environment.
Alongside the four sports that are taking place at the Wellness Center, bowling will be taking place at the Red Ray Lanes bowling alley once again this year. Teams of two players will bowl competitively on Sunday nights, and the league winner will be decided by the total pinfall at the end of season.
Aside from bowling in which the champion is decided within the regular season, the other four sports leagues during the final week of the season determine their champions through a bracket style playoff format in which teams compete for a chance to earn a spot in Rec Sports history, having their team’s name displayed on a banner within the Wellness Center and commemorative Champion T-shirt for their athletic achievement.
“I am really looking forward to reffing this season. It’s always great to be back at the wellness center, and I can’t wait to see all the new teams in action this year.” fourth-year Senior referee Harison Van Siclen stated, highlighting just how excited the returning staff members are for the upcoming season as well.
Whether you are seeking to get involved or relive the thrill of competing in a competitive sporting environment, be sure to visit the Rec Sports website and register yourself and your friends for one of the exciting new sport offerings this season.
Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
