NEED A STUDY BREAK? TRY OUT A WINTER CLUB SPORT!

The winter months at Hamilton can be tough, from the biting winds and frigid temperatures to being stuck inside finishing mounting piles of schoolwork. While the chilly months may seem endless, Hamilton boasts a wide variety of club sports to keep you busy during this winter season. These teams are welcome to all Hamilton students, so consider picking up an old passion or trying something new!

By Emma DeGiacomo ‘25

The Figure Skating Team at Hamilton is open to everyone, no matter how experienced!The team practices three days a week at the Sage Rink and participates in optional intercollegiate competitions. The team is led by coach Sam Bentley, who balances both advanced programs and beginner clinics so there is something for everyone. While figure skating is traditionally a very competitive sport, the team prides itself on its supportive atmosphere and friendly camaraderie.

Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing is essentially cross-country skiing and is both a workout and a way to experience Hamilton’s beautiful winter scenery. The team practices twice a week until sunset on the snow trails around campus. All skill levels are welcome, and clinics are held for beginners to learn proper form and technique. Equipment is also provided courtesy of the Glen House. Skiers can optionally participate in cross country races and relays as part of the United States

Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA). Those competitions range in distances from 10, 15, 27, and even 50 kilometers. A recent highlight of the team was traveling to Lake Placid, just one of the many exciting races Nordic takes part in!

Alpine Skiing

If nordic skiing doesn’t seem up your alley, give alpine a try. The team is open to all, and the only requirement is a love for skiing! The team practices at nearby mountains and similarly to Nordic, participates in races with the USCSA. Traditionally, there are a total of five regular season races that lead up to a regional competition. At regionals, Hamilton skiers even have a chance to qualify for the USCSA National Championships. Whether you have never picked up skis before or want to continue competitive racing, joining the team is a perfect activity for the winter months.

Hockey

Hamilton Club Hockey invites all students to come try out the ice for themselves. The team prac- tices two nights a week at Sage Rink and is open to all skill levels and genders. Games take place regularly, with the team both traveling to and hosting nearby colleges such as Colgate, Cornell, and Ithaca. There is no lack of fun on the ice for this team, so consider picking up a hockey stick and giving it a whirl!

Curling

Interested in picking up a fun and unique sport on the ice? Then try out curling. The sport has been likened to bocce ball on ice and takes both physical strength and mental strategy. No prior experience is required, as none of the current members on the team had ever curled before joining. Practices take place every Sunday at the Utica Curling Club to prepare for bonspiels, weekend-long tournaments that colleges from around the country participate in. Depending on how well Hamilton places in these intercollegiate competitions, the team can even earn a spot at the National College Curling Competition.