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August 19, 2005 > Sports > Punching your ticket to Rice athletics

Punching your ticket to Rice athletics

By Matt McCabe | Thresher Editorial Staff

Incoming freshmen, welcome to the Wide World of Rice University Sports; returning students, welcome back to the 2005-‘06 sports season.

Contrary to most students’ initial impressions of Rice, there is a reasonably-sized varsity sports following within the student body. I encourage you to participate in many of the organizations that Rice students have formed in order to support the athletic program: the Rowdy Owls, the Autry Army, and even the Student Owl Club, which charges a shameful membership fee but includes “perks.”

Rice is most renowned for its baseball program, which won the 2003 national championship. That team spawned three first-round draft picks, all pitchers. Although baseball is the banner sport at Rice currently, many other sports offer similar appeal because of their recent successes. The women’s volleyball, basketball and soccer teams and the men’s tennis, cross country and baseball squads all made their respective NCAA tournaments last year.

Many of you probably have not been exposed to sports as much as you will be over the next four years. Among the many fees that you or your parents paid to attend Rice was the athletic events fee, which permits you to attend any home sporting event free of charge (well, free now that you have paid the fee).

Often, varsity sports at Rice are a way to avoid studying, which you will probably feel like doing more often than not. Sporting events will often be advertised as study breaks — coupled with food. Yep, there’s the magic word, food … free food. If you’re not yet familiar with Chipotle burritos, you’ll learn by attending Rice home games.

Not only will you see the latest news on the varsity sports, that you will be following (right?) in this sports section, but you will also see the college sports rundown for the week. College sports are an integral part of the college system. Each year, the eight residential colleges and Martel (which, remember, is not a college) compete for the President’s Cup, which is awarded to the college that accrues the most points based on its aggregate standing over numerous events.

Rice has college sports to fit every individual; from ultimate Frisbee to swimming to table tennis and, yes, beer bike, Rice has an intramural sport for you. Even if your team sucks, you’ll still help your college with participation points, which are awarded to the colleges with the largest percentage of students participating in at least one sport. It’s a win-win situation, and it’s a ton of fun.

The bottom line is that you will have many opportunities to participate athletically at one of the most unique universities in the world, whether through spectating or actively participating. Don’t cheat yourself out of this invaluable part of the college experience by turning your back on sports.

Go out and enjoy them — in moderation. Otherwise you might end up like me, with a less-than-laudable GPA and a more-than-unhealthy sleep routine.

But I’m getting better!

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