The Wolverines

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The Wolverines

Student extracurricular activities such as sports in the Utah Valley University are considered crucial in the wholesome development of a student. The Utah Valley University has taken activities such as sports very seriously, as a way of student engagement in the university community. The Wolverines are the university’s athletic club that houses a number of sports clubs. The club was formed as a way of encouraging students to join in various sporting activities, harnessing and developing sports talent among the students, fostering a sense of community, and promoting unity among the students. The Wolverine’s club is comprised of various games that are divided into men and women’s sports. The men sports include golf, soccer, track and field, basketball, cross-country, and wrestling. Women sports include softball, volleyball, cross-country, soccer, wrestling, track and field, and golf. These clubs participate in sports events both internally and externally with other teams from other campuses. Being part of the Wolverines gives a student a sense of belonging within the campus community.

Different students have varied talents and hence the need for establishing various kinds of sports that they can participate. These sports have teams that represent the University in athletic events and competitions. When a student participates in sports, they are able to develop their talents through training and practice. All sports teams have coaches who train and mold the sportsmen. For instance, Scott Houle is the 2015 cross-country team coach, Eric Madsen in Baseball, Chris Curran in men’s golf, just to name a few. The spirit of competition among the sportsmen promotes excellence, and The Wolverines have perfected the art over the years. Various events and interuniversity competitions and games challenge the students to excel in sports and academics. There are upcoming games and tournaments in 2015, for example, the soccer games in August, cross-country championships in September and November among other games in different sports.

The Wolverines have a Scholar- Athlete program that seeks to recognize those athletes that are top achievers in the classrooms as well as excellent performers in the playing field. Those honored are recognized in the monthly luncheon and in the Fame Banquet that is held annually. To acknowledge and award the students further, the Wolverine Hall of Fame was introduced in 1998 to honor students who excelled in the playing field. The Hall of Fame is updated yearly. Athletes and students in sports relish being honored and hence work hard in sports. For instance, in the Wolverine Athletics Hall of Fame we have a few names such as Feild Lewis, Ferrin Tricia, and Peterson Sharon, to name but a few. Various teams have emerged victorious in their games and competitions over the years. One hundred and twenty students in the women cross-country team earned WAC honors in January 2015.This endeavor has promoted the spirit of hard work and excellence in the Wolverines.

Sports have always been an avenue of uniting people and bringing the community together as they promote oneness and responsibility. Being part of The Wolverines has made me appreciate the united community and security that comes along with the membership. For instance, on November 15, 2014, the cross-country team participated in a fundraising event to help one of the coaches’ families. The team came together and organized a race. The fundraiser was dubbed the 5k Fundraiser and was open to the public. The event was successful, and funds were raised. Additionally, a silent auction took place on the same day to help raise money. The supported family and students themselves came together as a community to help those in need.

Sports have a way of fostering a sense of togetherness. Sports and athletics promote cohesion, for, without teamwork, there would be no success. The Wolverine teams comprise students from all manner of backgrounds. These teams have students from different races and communities that unify them. Through sports, racial differences are kept aside. For instance, the men’s soccer team is a combination of Americans and other races like Africans Donnette Sackie from West Africa and Europeans like Paul Hoffmeister from Germany. The Women’s volleyball team has a few different races as well. For instance, Nakisha Wilden from African-American origin. These students are from different communities and backgrounds but when in the team, differences are kept aside. Racial differences have never been a driving wedge within teams and the university as a whole as integration of people is one of the core purposes of sports. Sportsmen have a common goal, which is to be victorious in whatever competition they participate.

Other than cohesion, sports have promoted the spirit of friendship and provided plenty of recreational opportunities. Each year, different Wolverine teams organize camps where team members engage in camping and hiking activities. Several camps will be held for the remaining part of the year. For instance, the baseball team has a camp from July 16 to 18 2015 at the Brent Ball Park. There will be another baseball camp on August 5 – 6 2015 at the same venue. The men’s basketball team also held the Dick Hunsaker Individual Summer Camp from June 15 – 19 2015. The women softball team has organized the Louisville Fall Advanced Skills Camp to be held in August 2015 at the Wolverine Softball Stadium. Students are encouraged to sign up to the camps. This will not only be a source of recreation, but also an opportunity to improve player skills and thus enhance performance in the playing field. These camps are often fun and engaging for the students. They help build on lasting friendships and team building. They also give the students a sense of belonging. It is evident that the Wolverines club is instrumental in promoting unity and cohesive relationships amongst the students.

The Wolverines club has played a great role in molding the lives of the students at Utah Valley University. These sports have inspired and changed thousands of lives. This club promotes cohesion, unity, excellence, a sense of community and developed talents. This has been achieved through the integration of students from all backgrounds into the sports teams, engaging in activities such as camping that improve skills and developing teammate bonds, engaging in community responsibility activities as seen with the cross-country team in 2014. Other initiatives such as the Athletics Hall of Fame and Scholar – Athlete Awards have motivated sportsmen to put effort into the playing field and studies, and this promotes excellence. There are also scholarships awarded to various team members. The teams have coaches who guide, train, and mentor the students. This helps in developing the sports talent in students. The Utah Valley University has various departments that assist in engaging the student in activities that mold character and careers at the same time. Students in the Utah Valley University should be encouraged to take part and join these clubs, especially the Wolverines club. Not only do they enjoy the mentioned benefits, but they also get to stay fit and maintain excellent physical health.