It’s your first day at Brock. You’ve toured the campus, seen your soon-to-be classrooms, different offices, and residences; however, there’s still that one part of the university experience you’ve been anticipating since high school.
Brock Athletics is far more than just varsity sports. Whether you’re a fitness guru, looking to stay in shape over the school year, enjoy playing with friends, or you’re trying to create new relationships, here’s a list of the best ways to get involved in sports at Brock.
The Zone Fitness Centre
Located beside the varsity soccer field, The Zone Fitness Centre is where students from across campus come to let off steam, hit PRs and socialize. With an abundance of different options to keep fit, The Zone offers students a space where they can exercise in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
As a first-year student on a mission to become more consistent in the weight room, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I could insert myself intoan unfamiliar space. With a variety of programs — like women’s only hours and experienced staff — The Zone is a great place to start if you’re trying to stay active while at Brock.
If you’re looking for a place to meet new friends or find a workout buddy, look no further. With a maximum capacity of 250 people, there are endless opportunities to socialize with people who are likely in the same situation as you.
Intramurals
Not playing on a varsity team and miss playing your favourite sport? Intramurals are your next best option. Whether you’re looking to play competitively or casually with a group of friends, Brock intramurals allow you to continue playing the sports you love or try something new.
For years, intramurals have been one of the most popular on-campus activities for students, offering a variety of sports.
Much like The Zone, intramurals are a prime opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests. It’s never a bad idea to try a sport you haven’t played in a while or want to try for the first time, possibly introducing you to a whole new community. Not only did I meet great people playing intramurals over my university career, but I also connected with people through sports I never thought I would play.
Most importantly, intramurals are something to look forward to amid a busy school year filled with boring lectures and tedious assignments. Especially during the frigid winter days and grueling exams, getting out of your room and doing something active is more important than ever.
Beginning in September, you can sign up for intramurals by going to the recreation desk beside the turf exit of The Zone Fitness Centre or online through the intramural website.
Attending Varsity Games
As a new student coming to Brock, you can ask anybody who has spent time at the school how unique and exciting the experience of cheering on and supporting the Badgers’ varsity teams is. With recent accomplishments such as the women’s volleyball team going for three straight Quigly Cups, both men’s and women’s wrestling teams ranking number one nationally or the men’s basketball OUA title in ‘22, there’s been no better time to support your team.
Hosting one of the most energetic environments in all of U Sports, the Bob Davis Gymnasium is constantly rocking with rowdy fans dressed in red, white and navy blue. Come playoff time, it’s often difficult to hear yourself think in a gym surrounded by 1,000-plus people filled with passion like no other school out there. Not to mention the Brock Alumni Field, which houses field teams such as the rugby, soccer and lacrosse squads.
In what has become one of the most dreaded environments for opposing teams to play, places like the Bob Davis Gymnasium and Canada Games Park have fostered plenty of legendary moments that will go down in the school’s history. It’s memories like these that encapsulate what it means to be a Badger, and you have the chance to be there for another one of those unforgettable moments.
Brock is no stranger to special events, as hockey’s Steel Blade Classic and basketball’s Paint the Meridian Red are two of the most highly anticipated events of each calendar year. With both events often selling out fast, it’s no surprise that first-year students often miss out on seeing these games in person, so look out for upcoming information on those events.
—
Regardless of whether you follow any of these recommendations, there’s endless opportunity to get involved in sports at Brock.