How to Be an Athlete at a Non-Athletic School

There is an epic battle between art kids and jocks. While most state universities provide unlimited funding to athletic departments at the cost of theatre and music programs, many smaller colleges experience a startling role-reversal. Athletes at these colleges quickly become the social outcasts. Most there think sports aren't important, anyway. With a little dedication, however, you can change the opinion of your peers. Maybe even it will help build a winning program. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. One of the best ways to earn recognition is to win. No one wants to be affiliated with a losing team. Whether you play basketball, soccer or alpine skiing, take charge, train hard and climb the rankings.
2. Start an intramural sports program. Many students despise team sports, or are unwilling to dedicate 4 years to a team. However, they will participate in dodgeball, ultimate frisbee or other less-organized events. A Saturday afternoon of three-on-three basketball or floor hockey can bring out the athlete in anyone, and even art kids have a competitive bone or two.
3. Help out in the athletic department. Whether as a student worker or a volunteer, you can gain and inside perspective of the workings of the department. You can also offer suggestions. Most coaches and directors will appreciate both the dedication and the criticism. They will do everything in their power to better the experience of student athletes.
4. Join the Student Government Association. There’s no better way to get your voice heard than to speak directly to the student body. Many smaller colleges rarely advertise athletic events. Many students don’t even know their schools have sports teams! It’s hard to change the world if the world doesn’t know you exist.
5. When you graduate as an athlete, give back to athletes. Most smaller colleges are not allowed to offer athletic scholarships; still, their athletes need money. By donating specifically to the athletic department, you can help build its future.

Tips & Warnings

• Always accommodate the student population. They’re not going to go out of their way to attend games; but if you cater to their needs, they may go for lack of better things to do. Set up fan buses to away games, provide directions to home games and give away t-shirts as well as other memorabilia. College students are always attracted to free things. They can easily become walking advertisements for your team.
• On a similar note, home-field advantage is impossible if you don’t have a home field. Many small colleges do not have the budget or space to construct gyms and diamonds. They’ll usually rent fields at other schools or use city-owned buildings. If you don’t push for your college to give its athletes a place to call home, your fight for recognition will be futile.