The success of Rensselaer Union club sports teams continued into the spring, with several of the teams participating in championship tournaments—some for the first time.
“There are many opportunities for Rensselaer students to participate in club sports at Rensselaer,” said Steven Allard, director of the Mueller Center, recreation and club sports. “The Rensselaer Union currently sponsors 56 competitive or recreational club sports, which allows students to either compete or enjoy occasional recreation.”
Following is a rundown of the club sports teams recent successes:
Curling
Qualified for the national championship tournament in Utica, New York, March 10-12. Curling competed as one of the final 16 teams in the country, and finished fifth in the nation. They beat St. Norbert University and Harvard before falling to the University of Nebraska.
Ski Team
Slade Glavish competed at the national championships held in Oregon, March 5-11. “Although he did not place, Slade represented RPI at the national championships, continuing our presence at the event for the fifth straight year,” Allard said.
Quidditch
Once again competed for the Quidditch World Cup held in Orlando, Florida, April 8-10. This year, for the first time, the RPI Quidditch team made it to the Elite 8, losing to eventual national champions Texas Cavalry. The team swept through the pool play going 4-0 on their way to the Elite 8. “Final rankings are yet to be released, but RPI Quidditch should be in the top 10 for the first time ever!” Allard said.
Racquetball
Racquetball competed in the national championships held in Huntington Beach, California, in late March. After competing for three straight days, RPI Racquetball placed second in the nation in all three divisions in Division 2 (men’s, women’s, and combined).
Dance Team
Participated in the New England Dance Championship and placed second in the Pom division and eighth in the Dance category. “Best finish they’ve ever had!” Allard said.
In the April 5 edition of Inside Rensselaer, we reported out on the success of two of Rensselaer’s club sports teams—wrestling and men’s ice hockey. Both teams advanced to the national championships for their leagues.