Some of you frosh probably don’t know that WesTech competes in the prestigious NESCAC—the most competitive D3 conference in the country. Despite the throngs of news outlets that flock to many of our sports games, you will never have to enter a lottery system or wait in a line overnight to obtain tickets. We also aren’t like these fans, and we never will be.
That’s okay. Do not believe the naysayers who claim that Wesleyan students do not support or appreciate athletics. Not only do we have the most watched baseball games in the NESCAC; last fall we hosted the ‘CAC’s first night football game and had over 5,000 students, alumni, and Middletown residents attend, shattering all previous attendance records.
Whether you’re attempting to relive your high school glory days, looking to get or stay fit, or trying out a new sport, Wesleyan has what you are looking for!
Last year the Dirty Birds did some real damage in the ‘CAC: our Football team saw its first Little Three crown since 1971; Baseball had its best record in 20 years and won its first NESCAC championship; Women’s Crew placed fifth in the NCAA D3 championships; ten Cardinals made the Spring 2014 NESCAC All-Sportsmanship squad. These are just a few of the accolades we earned in 2013-2014.
You may be wondering how far away the Freeman Athletic Center is from central campus. First, don’t confuse it with the Freeman Center for East Asian Studies. Many a frosh has wandered to the latter with their new gym shoes only to be very disappointed. Second, “That’s a clown question, bro.” Here is the link to a campus map if you’re still doubtful and here are the facility hours as an added bonus.
Freeman has everything that you need: a weight room, sauna, steam room (yes, there is a difference), locker rooms for both athletes and non-athletes, field house with an indoor track, pool, and rowing center. Do not hesitate to see Joe Fountain, the Director of Athletic Injury Care, or Bob Chiapetta, Manager of Intercollegiate Operations. The former can treat your injuries; the latter can provide you with equipment. They are both located on the bottom floor near the locker rooms. I almost forgot about this stunner. When the varsity teams are not practicing on it, students are free to use it. Personally, it’s where I do a lot of my interval training in preparation for the…
Intramural basketball league in November! Although I seriously lack what’s called “J”, once a week I get to lace up my sneakers and join my friends in a friendly, albeit very competitive, game of hoops against other teams. Check out this site for all our fall, winter and spring intramural leagues. Also, there are plenty of club teams, like fencing, cycling, co-ed ice hockey, and broomball, though they require more commitment than intramural sports. If group exercise is more your thing, Wesleyan Body and Mind offers several different yoga and cardio classes for students, including free events almost every weekend.
Since there is so much more to discover about athletics at Wesleyan, and I can only make this font so small, I encourage you to explore the main page of the athletics department. Check out the team schedules, new exercise programs, sports class offerings, and much more.