Guest Contributor, Lucas Biggerstaff

As Emory & Henry college begins to implement club sports, the effects are felt throughout the college including the student body. Conor White, a senior at Emory & Henry college says “the implementation of club sports and other recreational activities will open up a whole new way for me and my friends to socialize and hang out.”

Dylan Johnson, director of the campus recreation at Emory & Henry College, explains that “intramural sports, which are different from club sports, were the only thing on campus for a while and this added some inclusivity by allowing anyone to be a part of these groups. Club sports will be a great resource for those who did a sport in high school and want to continue it in college but not necessarily at a varsity level.”

Club sports add a whole new level of social life to a college campus as Johnson elaborates; “it will add another thing for students to be a part of on campus. It will give students more events to go and watch with friends and it will give students participating to be a part of a social group that shares a common interest.”

On top of affecting the current students, Johnson explains that it adds another benefit for new students as well; “students who have participated in sports in high school but are not necessarily ready for the commitment of a full varsity sport will be drawn to this idea of club sports. This will allow us to be able to get more students on campus.”

The programs are going to be implemented very quickly as Johnson says “the programs are going to begin the week that students get back to campus for next semester in August. Classes such as yoga will occur weekly and other classes such as Zumba and some biking classes will occur every 2-3 weeks. All of these classes and services will be completely free of charge to students as a way to promote physical and social activity on campus through these programs.”

The programs are aimed at representing more than just physical health as well. “Wellness is more than just going outside and shooting a basketball or taking a run around campus, it also includes nutrition and relationship building and so these programs will allow the students to build those relationships to aid in the wellness of all students on campus. Wholistic health is important to me,” Johnson explains.

Dylan Johnson encourages students to reach out and contact him about potential ideas and welcomes student suggestions via email: [email protected] or phone number: 276-944-6335.