Club Sports
What Are Club Sports?
A Club Sport is a recognized University student organization that has been formed by individuals motivated by a common interest and desire to participate in their favorite activity. Club Sports are designed to provide the UWEC student community the opportunity to practice, participate, and perform on and off campus in 30 competitive and recreational sports. Clubs Sports are student initiated and run with an emphasis placed on student leadership and involvement.
The Club Sports Program is organized and administered by the Recreation and Sports Operations Department. The Club Sports Program empowers students to engage in leadership pursuits and focuses on student development, promoting social fellowship, and enhancing skills. Through guidance, leadership, and mentoring our staff aims to create opportunities for students to succeed both during their time at UWEC and within their professional lives.
For information on a specific club, please select the club you are interested in from the list below. The contact information of each Club President can be found within their tab. For general program questions, please contact Competitive Sports Coordinator Karlie Stefonik at stefonikr@uwec.edu or call 715-836-5732. You may also stop by the Recreation and Sport Operations Office in Hilltop Center, Room 105 to speak with a staff member and pick-up informational materials.
For information on a specific club, please select the club you are interested in from the list below. The contact information of each Club President can be found within their tab. For general program questions, please contact Competitive Sports Coordinator Karlie Stefonik at stefonkr@uwec.edu or call 715-836-5732. You may also stop by the Recreation and Sport Operations Office in Hilltop Center, Room 105 to speak with a staff member and pick-up informational materials.
GENERAL PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY
- One hundred percent (100%) of the organizations’ rostered membership, at any given time, must be currently enrolled students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Rostered membership includes those who gather, practice, travel, and compete with the team or organization in any official capacity. Clubs may support approved, non-player, outside coaches/instructors and/or clients receiving club-endorsed lessons.
- Alumni, Faculty, and Staff are not eligible for participation in the Club Sports Program.
- Individuals that are not taking classes during the current semester are not eligible.
- Specific National, State and/or Local Governing Bodies may have eligibility requirements that are not consistent with the eligibility requirements of the UWEC Club Sports Program. Contact the governing body for specific eligibility requirements. When such requirements conflict with Club Sports Program or other University requirements, Club Sport Program and University requirements will take precedence.
- The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire is not responsible for injuries incurred during Club Sport participation and will not pay for such injuries. It is highly recommended that all club members obtain a physical examination prior to club participation and procure some form of adequate health insurance.
- All members of the Club Sport program are advised that participation in club activities can result in bodily injury and/or death. Participation is voluntary and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the Student Senate, Recreation and Sport Operations, and the Club Sport Program does not assume any liability for such injuries and/or death.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
A participant is classified as a member of the club if they have done the following:
- Fulfill the eligibility requirements listed above
- All members must register through Blugold Connect prior to participation
- Attend meetings/trainings as required by club and/or Club Sports Program
And
- Attend practices/competitions following try-outs as required by club
Or
- Paid dues as required by individual club
Yes. All individuals wishing to participate in Club Sport activities must register through IMLeagues by completing the Member Registration Waiver and Agreement Form. This is to be done on an annual basis. Individuals found to be participating without having registered may face disciplinary action that can extend to the representative club.
Individual clubs may require fees to cover the cost of equipment, registration, travel, lodging and other expenditures not covered by their allocated budget. Dues are decided on an individual club basis. Fees often vary depending upon the size, scope, and nature of the club. The Club Sports Program itself does not charge fees to participate.
Varsity sports must follow NCAA and WIAC rules and regulations. Practices and games are mandatory, and travel is required to play other universities. Some varsity sports might allow walk-on tryouts, while others purely recruit. Also, varsity sports usually require a full year commitment.
Intramural Sports are competitive sports played at UWEC among other UWEC students. There are four blocks, or seasons, each lasting 3-6 weeks. Games are held on campus and no travel or practice is required.
Club Sports teams play other colleges and universities, but are not part of NCAA or WIAC. The teams are supported by the department of Recreation and Sport Operations and request funding from the Club Sport Executive Council. Club officers are responsible for hiring coaches and scheduling games and practices. Club Sports may not require a full year commitment.
The time commitment required varies by club, but most teams practice 2-3 times a week for about two hours and compete once per weekend during their competition season.
Club Sports are supported by Recreation and Sport Operations and are eligible to receive funding that is allocated by the Club Sport Executive Council Board, however they must also fundraise and/or charge membership dues to pay for their operating costs. The specific amount varies greatly by sport. Teams may also be supported financially through donations.
Clubs at UWEC vary in their size, scope, and purpose. Some clubs are highly competitive and compete at a regional/national level and as a result host tryouts and may make cuts to maintain roster sizes. Other clubs remain relatively local and focus on recreational activity and/or provide instruction to the university community.
- Any university recognized Student Organization, who has been a registered student organization for at least one (1) full academic year, is able to apply to be a Club Sport. If you are looking to form a Club Sport that is not currently recognized at UWEC you must do the following:
- Familiarize yourselves with the Club Sports Handbook to ensure group can consistently meet the standards set forth for groups classified as a Club Sport. If your group believes they can meet the standards:
- Email the Competitive Sports Coordinator at compsports@uwec.edu to obtain a Club Sport membership application
- Schedule a meeting with the Competitive Sports Coordinator to discuss the request and review further application requirements which include:
- Letter proof of organizational recognition by the Student Senate
- A list of all club members including telephone numbers, email addresses, and Blugold ID numbers
- A list of all required officer positions including telephone numbers, email addresses, and Blugold ID numbers
- The name, telephone number, and email address of the organization’s advisor who must be a university faculty/staff member
- The name, telephone number, and email address of all coaches – if applicable
- A copy of the club’s constitution
- Verification of a campus checking account – US Bank located in Davies
- Applications will be reviewed first by the Competitive Sports Coordinator and Club Sport Executive Council to review the following considerations:
- The safety of the sport will be considered through risk management
- An appropriate facility for the activity to occur will need to be identified and available
- The club must be able to gather a minimum of 5-10 student members
- The club must set up a budget and determine fundraising options
- Must locate and adhere to a National or Regional Governing Body (NGB) and its rules (if available)
- If approved upon initial review, the applying organization must present to the Club Sport Advisory Council for final admittance. Presentations are designed to be informative and delineate the purpose of the club, explain their budget, review practice/competition intents, and illustrate their intended impact on the Club Sports Program and university. Following the presentation, the Club Sport Advisory Council will vote on admittance. A simple majority is needed to be approved.
- Upon acceptance into the program, new Club Sports will be placed in “probationary status” for one (1) year. At the end of this period, the Club Sports Advisory Council will evaluate the club to determine if they should be included as a permanent member of the Recreation and Sport Operations Club Sport Program and receive additional funding from the department.
- The deadline for any organization to apply for participation in the program the following Fall semester will be by March 15th of each Spring Semester.
*All forms not listed will be completed on IMLeagues.com/uwec, the new home for club sport management.
Club Sports
UWEC Baseball Club
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President: Andre Birkhofer
The UWEC Baseball Club is thriving in Eau Claire. They compete against teams from the Western Lakes Conference as well as teams from the National Club Baseball Association. Their main season is in Spring, consisting of 25-30 games, with a few exhibition games in the Fall. They play in a beautiful ball park at Carson Park. New players are always encouraged to participate.
UWEC Bowling Club
President: Brooke Bandli
The Bowling Club offers a variety of activities and benefits for bowlers of all skill levels. They compete in a conference and a variety of tournaments, against some of the top teams in the country. The Bowling Club also has an on-campus league, which allows students to be sanctioned through the United States Bowling Congress. The club is a fun way to meet people, improve your skills, or learn bowling. The Bowling Club was formed in 1989 and currently consists of two parts. There is the League Group, which contains everyone involved in Bowling Club, and the Traveling Group, which consists of 10-12 members that compete outside league-intercollegiately.
UWEC Cheer & Stunt Team
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President: Maddie Branco
The UWEC Cheer & Stunt Team is dedicated to maintaining enthusiasm and school spirit at athletic events as well as competitions. The sideline team cheers the Blugold Basketball teams on to victory at all home games, while the competition team strives for victory against other collegiate teams in a competitive setting. Both teams cheer for all home Blugold Football games. The goal of the Cheer & Stunt Team is to bring everyone's talent together to gain cheerleading skills. Additional information about the team and tryouts can be found on the Cheer & Stunt website. They would love to have you join their team!
UWEC Cross Country Skiing Team
President: Cally Robertson
The UWEC Cross Country Ski Team provides opportunities for University students to pick up a new sport or continue their development through organized team practice and competition. The team seeks to teach technique and develop endurance to those interested, regardless of their personal experience levels. They practice daily and travel to citizen's races most weekends from mid-December to late February.
UWEC Dance Team
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President: Lexi Stock
The UW-Eau Claire Blugold Dancers make up an organization designed to perform at sporting events, particularly basketball games. The styles they specialize in are jazz and hip hop. They compete against other college dance teams at various competitions and hold an annual high school dance team competition and clinic here at UW-Eau Claire. The team members are hardworking, dedicated, and talented individuals who LOVE to dance!
Disc Golf
President: Tod Edwards
The purpose of this organization will be to engage students in the sport of disc golf to promote good sportsmanship, competitive play or recreational play, and advance the skills in the sport of disc golf in a safe and encouraging environment.
Eau Claire Dodgeball
President: Cleo Moen
The Eau Claire Dodgeball Club takes pride in the fact that we are open to anyone with no membership fees. We are a diverse group and get together each week to play dodgeball. In addition to tournaments, our events consist mostly of pick-up style games. The core belief of Eau Claire Dodgeball is that it's a game, and while no game should be taken too seriously, dodgeball should probably be taken even less seriously.
Eau Climbers
President: Elizabeth Packer
The purpose of the Eau Climbers is to strengthen the climbing community at UWEC through the creation of a supportive environment that does not judge individuals based upon personal ability and discourages egotistical behavior. This organization competes in competitions including, but not limited to, the Wisconsin Indoor Climbing Series (WICS). Eau Climbers does not provide formal education, but provide members resources in order to learn more climbing techniques.
UWEC Equestrian Show Team
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President: Lily Barnes
The Equestrian Show Team offers UWEC students the opportunity to improve horsemanship skills, volunteer at a local stable, and compete in an intercollegiate organization. Competition includes a variety of disciplines, including Hunt Seat, Jumping, Western Horsemanship, and Reining. Team members volunteer at Trinity Equestrian Center feeding horses, cleaning stalls, and assisting with events for the barn's therapeutic riding program.
Esports
Co-President: Jade Polanski
Co-President: Anika Rix
The Esports club aims to create a community and place to play and enjoy Esports and other video games in both a casual and competitive nature.
UWEC Figure Skating
President: Alexis Rustin
The UWEC Figure Skating Club provides members with a chance to skate as an individual as well as a part of a synchronized team with the UWEC Goldenettes. Their goal is to encourage the participation and enjoyment of figure skating through practice, competition, shows, hockey games, and various social events while surrounded by a fun and positive atmosphere.
UWEC Men's Hockey Club
President: Gabe Bestul
The UWEC Men's Hockey Club was founded in 2010 and is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. We play against other schools all over the mid-west at the Division II club level. Our mission is to provide our members the opportunity to continue playing competitive hockey at the collegiate level and to give back to the Eau Claire hockey community.
Requirements to Join
In order to play on the UWEC Men's Hockey Club you need to be a UWEC student enrolled at least half-time (min. 6 credits for undergraduates and min. 3 credits for graduates) and in good academic standing (cum. GPA of 2.0 or higher). Each player has 5 years of eligibility, except for former NCAA players who lose one year for each year they have played at the NCAA level plus one more additional year. In addition to these academic requirements all members are also required to pay membership dues every year and participate in club fundraising events.
UWEC Men's Lacrosse
President: Jake Mort
Men's Lacrosse is a fast paced sport that involves agility, speed, strength, and most of all, teamwork. The Eau Claire team is proud to be part of the progression and growth of this great game. The main season is in the Spring, but tournaments are held year round. Anyone interested is welcome to come and continue their experience with the game or start participating in this great sport.
UWEC Men's Rugby
President: Andrew Boucher
The mission of the UWEC Men's Rugby Club is to promote rugby at UWEC and to field a competitive team at the collegiate level . They strive to be the best team in the state and to continually compete at the national level. Every member of the club is important and will get a chance to compete. Teamwork is the ultimate goal, and everyone who joins the club will not only be part of a team, but part of a family.
UWEC Men's Soccer Team
President: Jake Hicks
Men's Soccer is a highly competitive club team that competes against other D3 and D1 Universities in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. The main season is in the fall, with tournaments in the spring. Tryouts are held the weekend before semester begins. We pride ourselves on being a tight-knit, welcoming group of guys. All incoming freshman or returning students who are interested are encouraged to reach out through our social media, or may email the captain directly.
UWEC Men's Ultimate Frisbee
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President: Keenan Bussen
Ultimate Frisbee is a great club sport for anybody who is looking to stay active and be a part of a great community, and we are an affordable option as well (we had no team dues in the ’22-’23 season!). We have a competitive team called EauZone, and we also have a developmental team called BreauZone for those who are new to the sport. No previous playing experience is required to participate! Our practices are typically held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. We compete in tournaments all throughout the Midwest and travel around three times per semester.
If you are interested in learning more about our developmental and competitive club, please contact one of the 2023-2024 captains: Connor McKeown, Haakon Neske, Joe Brandt, or Ben Leurquin.
UWEC Men's Volleyball
President: Jackson Peterson
The Volleyball Club is open to all UWEC men who have the skills to compete in NIVC Competition. Teams are formed in the Fall and competition begins in the Spring, concluding with the NIRSA Volleyball Sport Club Championships. The club's goal is to provide a competitive atmosphere in which members can improve individual skills and teamwork. New members are always encouraged to join.
UWEC Mixed Martial Arts Club
President: Aiden Oechsner
The UW-EC Mixed Martial Arts Club is the newest sports club on the UW-Eau Claire campus. Started in the fall of 2008, the club already has over 20 members and is looking for more UW-EC students to join.
MMA Club members learn various fighting disciplines used in mixed martial arts, such as Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thia kickboxing, and wrestling. However, the club does not promote fighting or violence. Rather, the techniques help promote physical fitness and self-defense. If members want to pursue professional bouts, the club promises to give them full support and help them train.
While a majority of the club's time is spent practicing, the club also participates in community enriching activities. The activities help the club and its members live by the motto of strength, respect, and discipline.
UWEC Power Lifting Club
President: Carley Evers
The UW Eau Claire Powerlifting Club is a club for beginners through experts who are interested becoming stronger, learning more about the alternative strength sport of powerlifting, and competing in USA Powerlifting (USAPL) sanctioned events at the state and national level.
UWEC Table Tennis
President: Tyler Morari
Table Tennis Club on the UW-Eau Claire campus is dedicated to increasing awareness of table tennis within the community. This Olympic sport offers a fun recreational activity as well as a professional challenge. In the same way, Table Tennis Club offers a friendly environment for new players to pick up the game while experienced players hone their skills.
UWEC Club Tennis
President: Leah Miller
The purpose of Club Tennis is to provide University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students an opportunity to play tennis after high-school. Our aim is to create an environment that promotes fair play and sportsmanship. Our partnership with the John and Fay Menard YMCA Tennis will allow students to play tennis year round and become more involved in the Eau Claire tennis community.
UWEC Running Club
President: Mari Podas
Established in 2010, the UWEC Triathlon Team is a club created for students to train, race, stay in shape, and have fun. We have running, biking, and swimming practices. Participate in whatever you are comfortable with, or try something new!
UWEC Two To Tango
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President: Naomi Ryan
Two to Tango is UW-Eau Claire's ballroom and Latin dance club, open to all students, faculty, and staff. They meet Sunday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the McPhee Dance Studio. Members are not required to bring a partner, special shoes, or previous dance experience. If you are interested in joining a friendly organization where you can meet a wide variety of people while learning to dance, come join them on Sunday nights and make Two to Tango a part of your weekend!
UWEC Water Skiing and Wakeboard Team
President: Dallas Dosch
The UWEC Water Ski Club offers students the chance to participate and compete in water skiing. Students of all ability levels are encouraged to become a member and learn new skills or refine those they already have. Competitions will be mainly in the area of: Slalom, Trick Skiing, Jumping, Wake Boarding and Barefooting. Come meet great people who share your love of water skiing.
UWEC Women's Hockey Club
Co-President: Emma Olson
Co-President: Taylor Eytcheson
The Women's Hockey Club of UW-Eau Claire is a group of women interested in engaging in the sport they love, playing games against other University club teams, and having fun.
UWEC Women's Rugby
President: Kloee Chamberlain
The UWEC Women's Rugby Club gives campus women a chance to compete in the exciting and unique sport of rugby. The rugby rules we play by are the same as those followed throughout the world. Rugby is a physical, fast moving, demanding, and most of all FUN sport. Rugby is played in the Fall and Spring semesters. Come and give it a try! No experience is needed to start.
UWEC Women's Soccer
President: Rylie Langer
Women’s Club Soccer is a competitive team that competes against other D3 and D1 Universities in Wisconsin and surrounding states. The main season is in the fall, with a few friendly matches in the spring. Tryouts are held in August, the week prior to the start of fall semester. We pride ourselves on being a tight-knit, welcoming group, passionate about soccer. All incoming freshman or returning students who are interested in joining are encouraged to reach out through our social media or may email the president directly.
UWEC Women's Ultimate Frisbee
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President: Rachel Foldy
The UWEC Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team is for any student, faculty or staff member who wants to spend time having fun or being physically active. They practice two or three times a week year-round and participate in four or five tournaments a semester, including one home tournament. Playing Ultimate with SOL is a great way to try an amazing new sport. New people are always welcome to join them!
UWEC Women's Volleyball
President: Makenna Samuels
The UWEC Women's Volleyball Club is open to female students with an interest in participating in competitive volleyball. The club competes in tournaments throughout the school year. The club is also a part of the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference, and competes at Nationals every year.