When people think of sports at NIU, they think of football, basketball, rugby…wait a minute. Rugby?

Student membership in clubs at NIU has soared with membership that has reached approximately 600 students.

“Club sports are designed for a group of students with the same interests to pursue, with some depth, a particular sport or recreational activity,” said Fabian De Rozario, who is coordinator of club sports at NIU’s Recreation Center. “The clubs offer students the opportunity to enhance athletic ability, as well as teamwork. It’s also a great way to meet people,” De Rozario added.

One club that meets literally head-on is the Rugby Club. Club President Tony Rivera and company are preparing for the Chicago area rugby tournament which will take place on Oct. 6. The club is coming off a 13-4 victory against Marquette University this past weekend that evens their record at 1-1. With 12 veterans on the team, and the alumni that visit about once a week, the Rugby Club is getting extra preparation for that big Chicago area tournament, which may decide the fate of whether or not the club qualifies for nationals next spring.

Three international players have joined the rugby ranks this season: Sandro Picasso of Peru, Cameron Pappua of South Africa and Robert Nhido of Kenya. Anyone interested can call Tony Rivera at 748-3397.

The biggest club at NIU is the Ice Hockey Club. The club is coming off a 16-4 season in 1989-90. Club President Jim Kopka says that “winning the league title again is the goal of our club, but it’s not the only goal.”

Kopka said that the club will accept as many as 60 members to be used in a rotating roster, and that the club is open to anyone who enjoys ice hockey, experienced or not.

The Ice Hockey Club practices Tuesday nights from 10 to 11:30 p.m. The club is preparing for the season, which begins on Nov. 2 against Wheaton College.

For more information on the club contact Jim Kopka at 748-5835.

From the ice we move to the snowy slopes that the Alpine Ski Club enjoys. Club President Todd Water and the rest of the members of the club are looking forward to racing the Slalom and the Giant Slalom against such universities as Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“We are always looking for new members, and there is no experience neccessary,” Water said. “My goal is to have an organized club and involve everyone,” added Water. The Alpine Ski Club races from January through March, and will take any inquiries at 756-3791.

Fabian De Rozario, coordinator of club sports, forsees more people becoming involved in club sports, even as fans. De Rozario encourages anyone interested in any club to call him at 753-9421.