They practice up to fifteen hours a week, putting their bodies through grueling exercises to keep in shape and remain competitive. They play games on the weekends or after class, traveling as far as three hundred miles in buses and vans to meet opponents.

They take money out of their own pockets to pay for unbudgeted expenses. They often face a lack of support from students, many of whom don’t even know they exist.

Meet the athletes of NIU’s club sports.

There are officially 18 club sport teams at NIU, ranging from akido to baseball. Though the rules and skills involved may vary, each team enjoys what they do and works hard on perfecting their game.

Club sports are not NCAA recognized and none of the athletes receive scholarships. Funding and recognition come from the Student Association, which approves the teams each year.

“Every club’s goal is to go out and have fun. They’re doing it because they love the game,” said S.A. Recreation Adviser David Burke, adding, “If that’s not the purest form of athletics, I don’t know what is.”

Burke, who has been on the Recreation committee for the past three years, ought to know. He was a member of the water polo club, an experience which helps his job today. “I have knowledge of what the clubs go through. I have that frame of reference and I know where they’re coming from.”

He said his job as adviser entails many responsiblities. “I try to get the funding they deserve. I like to see every sport get funded for as much as possible,” he explained. “The more money they get the more things they can do.”

Burke said budgets differ for each club, ranging from $500 to $2,000. The money goes toward tournament dues, limited travel expenses, printing and some equipment. There are clubs that are S.A. recognized, but do not receive any funding, such as the cycling club.

Another one of Burke’s responsibilites is increasing the clubs’ visibility. “Publicity is limited, though I think a good percentage of students are aware of them,” he said, adding recognition has increased since he has been involved, partly due to the teams’ success.

Fabian De Rozario is the Campus Recreation Coordinator, specializing in club sports. “I get club sports together to operate – I get them organized,” he said. He arranges practice facilities for the teams, setting up times in buildings, gyms and fields across the campus.

He also oversees team budgets and arranges for equipment check out. Many teams, including lacrosse, rugby and hockey, rent their equipment from the Recreation Center. In addition to his other duties, De Rozario sets up transportation for the teams, most of which use NIU vans and buses to travel to away games.

De Rozario, who has been at NIU for over a year, said he is there to guide the clubs. “My philosophy is to let the students run the clubs the way they want to under procedure,” he said. “They shouldn’t have to do a lot except play the games.”

Burke and De Rozario agreed more students are trying out for club sports each semester. Some of the bigger clubs–baseball, men’s volleyball and rugby–are becoming more popular every year.

Baseball is one of the largest clubs, Burke said. This is the last year the team will be a club, as next year they will gain NCAA recognition and join an organized conference.

Baseball club president, coach and player Mark Suhanek has seen the team build from nearly nothing. He said the team was $3,000 in debt and playing 12 games when he joined. Now they have money left over and schedule 45 games. “It took a long time and a lot of effort,” he said, adding he and other teammates literally had to build the mound last year with a wheelbarrow and dirt.

He said the club posted a 15-5 record last spring, not losing one home game and often defeating Division I teams. This semester, over 100 students came out for the team and they expect another 25 next spring.

Teammate Marty Marks said the club plays all year long. They have a fall schedule, practice through the winter and play again in the spring. He said his experience with the club has proven invaluable. “The team spirit is good. Everyone is close and you make lasting friendships with the guys on the team.”

The players, all of whom are serious about the sport and have played since they were youngsters, practice every day at the Stevenson Towers field. They look forward to a busy schedule, including a 16-team tournament in Kenosha next week.

Another club with talent and dedication is the rugby team. Junior member Jeff Schmid has played for four semesters and got involved through friends. “All you have to do is go out on the field, meet the guys and start practicing,” he said.

The team consists of two levels, each of which plays games. More experienced players comprise the A team, whereas the B team is a developmental squad for younger players. They practice three days a week for two hours, and play games every Saturday in the fall. The next home game is slated for November 4.

Schmid said the club is eyeing the Midwest championship this year, after winning the title three semesters ago. The team must beat four more teams before they get to that point, Schmid said, adding, “We have a good chance this year.”

Schmid praised the club’s coach, Billy Muir, for much of the team’s success. Muir, who coaches the DeKalb High School football team, has played rugby for over 20 years. “He helps us out alot,” Schmid said.

Schmid said he has enjoyed his experience on the team. “It’s fun and you get to meet a lot of people,” he said, adding, “If you want a relaxed atmosphere, we’re it.”

The men’s volleyball club is also enjoying a good season so far. Like the rugby club, the volleyball team has different levels of play, though they add a C level. Rob Uhwatt, vice president of the club and fourth-year member, said the game is more than just a hobby for the players.

“The competition level is much greater. The club allows people of comparable skill level to play each other,” he said, adding 70 people have joined the club this year.

“I have a good time. It’s fun traveling to other schools,” added teammate Tim Ehland, who has played for three years. He said they usually play Illinois State, Eastern Illinois University and University of Illinois, adding most schools only have volleyball clubs, not teams.

Ehland said the club practices Tuesday and Thursday nights for two hours at Anderson Hall and on Sundays at the Rec Center. On Oct. 14, the B team plays at U. of I. and the A team will travel to Eastern for a game. Most home games are played at the Evans Field House, with a few scheduled for the Rec Center.

No matter what the game, club sports members agreed they practice hard and enjoy the sport. The other 15 teams all boast talented players and coaches, and deserve student support for their efforts.

“You’re working out every day and not getting the same support. It really creats a bond with the team,” Burke said, adding, “No one is getting a scholarship for this.”

Baseball’s Suhanek agreed. “We’re more than just a team – we’re all friends. What other people have in size and money, we like to make up with extra talent and heart.”