What do you think of when you hear the word "sports" at Rensselaer? If you’re like most people here, the first thing that comes to mind is hockey, and for good reason. RPI has a tradition of boasting an excellent Division I men’s hockey team, and this year is no exception. The team is currently ranked third in the ECAC.
But RPI’s sports lineup isn’t a one-team show. There are a number of other sports with talented individuals that just aren’t getting the attention they deserve.
Women’s sports are particularly overlooked. The men’s hockey team isn’t the only one burning up the ice, for example. The women’s hockey team was nationally ranked all of last year and earlier this season.
RPI sports are played on many fields, from the baseball diamond to the football field. Both the men’s and women’s basketball seasons are currently underway, and both teams have made it to post-season play over the last few years.
With the spring comes the baseball season, and RPI’s team is one to watch. They’ve made it to the NCAA playoffs for 10 out of the last 11 seasons and participated in the College World Series in 1996, along with only seven other teams from around the nation.
We’re not suggesting that sports should become the all-consuming thought on the minds of RPI students. We wouldn’t be RPI students if it did. What we’re saying is, pick a sport and support it. A few more faces in the crowd can really make a difference to the athletes playing the game.
But don’t think it’s all for the teams. Gathering up a group of friends and heading down to your game of choice can be an excellent way to enjoy an afternoon. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a sporting event. Once you get into the spirit, you’ll be hooked.
And get hooked early. Time will only become less abundant as the semester wears on. Having some fun to look forward to every week could be the thing that pulls you through the semester with your sanity intact.
