The University of Northern Colorado is no stranger to a vibrant athletics selection. From the football team that garners hundreds of attendees during championship games to the cheer squad that keeps the energy high. Among the packed stadiums and sold out arenas, however, is a much quieter sport that holds sessions nearly every week, right where students walk everyday.
The UNC disc golf team is a sports team that many students may have seen or heard of, but might not know much about.
“I think it's just one of those, like, hobby sports,” club member Mason Braggins said. “It’s one of those things where just, like, I enjoy it. And since I have plenty of free time here at school, I figured why not?”
Braggins’ testimony is not an uncommon one and highlights one of the most attractive parts of the club. Whereas other college level sports rely on the athletes previous experience, the disc golf club requires no prior knowledge to become a part of the team.
On top of this, the club is also one of the most affordable sports on campus. Beginner equipment bundles, including multiple discs and a carrier bag, can be bought online for as little as $60.
Whether potential members are interested in learning the game and its tricks, or simply want a laid-back group to practice with, the club has it all. This was further backed up by club member Sawyer Hablutzel.
“We need more people,” Hablutzel said. “You don’t need to be good to play. You can just come out and play, no matter what skill level you're at.”
The club sits at less than 10 members and has a fluctuating size depending on the semester and weather around campus.
The actual course that runs around UNC’s campus is rated quite high. Out of the 718 available ratings on website UDisc, the course runs an average of 4.3 out of five stars.
The course offers the club a challenge, as the tree lines and grassy terrain make every shot matter. One incorrect adjustment for the wind could be the difference between landing the shot and doing the walk of shame to find your disc.
Sitting at 1.7 miles long, the course begins southwest of Michener Library and runs along the outside edges of campus, looping back by Candelaria Hall. For most students, this is where they may have spotted the disc golf team before. Practices often run during weekday afternoons, but the schedule can be flexible to meet team needs.
The team has an official BearConnect page and frequents club fairs to inform those who may be interested in the sport.
“When there are club involvement fairs, and whatnot, we typically have a table there,” Braggins said. “We also have a page, like a clubs and organizations page, that's attached to UNC. So that’s how I found out.”
For club Vice President Evan DeMeyer, creating a welcoming and accessible atmosphere is one of the major goals of the team.
“All club sports have dues for students, but ours tends to be the lowest or second lowest pretty regularly,” DeMeyer said. “Honestly, we’re just here more for the social aspect and kind of the community that we’re building here.”
Students can reach out via email to DeMeyer at deme2035@bears.unco.edu for more information.
OPINION: Let There Be Lights at Nottingham
Prayers, Protest and Play: Navigating Faith in Sports
