Going to check out the athletic facilities here at U of T is a task I have avoided for years. Although I’ve always known my tuition fees included a membership to both the Athletic Centre and Hart House, I’ve never taken advantage them.
As a fourth year, soon to be graduate, however, I’m now experiencing some regrets. Not only does U of T offer some of the finest facilities in the country, but also a variety of great options to get active and play the sports you love with your friends and fellow students.
I realized that to make the most of my last year here, it was definitely worthwhile to explore the numerous athletic programs that always were and still are available to me as a U of T student.
To my amazement, I learned that the Athletic Centre hosts 44 intercollegiate teams, and multi-tiered intramural leagues in 26 sports, while Hart House offers numerous classes in movement, fitness, and dance.
The opportunities available to me seemed almost overwhelming and it was then and there that I decided that a full fledged investigation into the vast world of U of T athletics was a must, not just for my own sake, but for anyone who might be looking to get involved.
I decided to start at the top with the Varsity Blues Program.
The Varsity Blues athletes are the bluebloods around our campus and play against other universities at the intercollegiate level.
Dustin Yu is a member of men’s Varsity Blues badminton team. He is returning for a fifth year with the team and will be finishing up his triple major in political science, sociology, and psychology.
“U of T takes pride in sports. The décor of the Athletic Centre reflects the history of our athletic accomplishments,” said Yu.
Besides possessing both brains and brawn, the Varsity Blues athletes are friendly and down to earth.
“We strive to promote an inclusive environment. We welcome everyone and encourage everybody to participate,” said Yu.
But don’t let Yu’s easygoing manner and humility fool you. The Varsity Blues are some of the hardest working athletes on campus. All varsity players practice five to six times a week for three hours each session. Every two out of three weeks they participate in either an all day or weekend long tournament.
Kristine Drakich, who has been the coach of women’s Varsity Blues volleyball team since 1989, told me that although “it takes a significant amount of experience to be able to play varsity level sports,” students should not give up.
“To the risk-takers go the rewards. We have had people walk in and become starters,” said Drakich.
I began to realize that the Varsity Blues Program might not be what I’m looking for as a novice athlete just looking to have some good, clean fun.
Fortunately, as I was about to find out, there are even more options out there.
Intramural, intercollegiate, and tri-campus athletics are offered to all students through their colleges at the St. George Campus. U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga both have programs of their own.
At this level, recreational sports such as flag football, broomball, and ultimate frisbee can be foundm among the more mainstream sports like basketball and volleyball.
Rachella Valdez, a fourth year student in media studies and international studies at U of T Scarborough is a member of Intramural Division A volleyball there.
“It’s just for fun. It’s a way for everybody to be active in their own community,” said Valdez.
But for the eager amateur not quite ready to play for the Varsity Blues, the Tri-Campus Program is his or her best bet.
“The Tri-Campus Program is between the intramural and intercollegiate and the Varsity Blues Program. It is more competitive than the intramurals, but less extreme than the Varsity Blues,” Valdez explained to me.
This wonderwoman also plays women’s basketball through the Tri-Campus Program.
“Playing sports has made university so much better. In working with my teammates I have learned to be patient and to trust others.
“If you love it that much, you are going to make time. Who needs a boyfriend anyway?” Valdez laughed.
Although I’d say I’m pretty decent at managing my time, I acquiesced to the fact that I might not be able to dedicate quite enough of it to the rigorous demands of being on an intramural team at U of T. What I was looking for was a bit more low key; maybe a once a week type deal.
The instructional classes at Hart House vary in skill level and intensity and provide students with the opportunity to stay fit in a laid-back and comfortable environment.
“We offer movement-based, non-sport specific programs to all U of T students and staff,” explained Tom Moss, a former U of T student and the current the Manager of Recreation and Wellness at Hart House.
Hart House has a long list of free drop-in classes ranging from cardio sala to stretch works and core fusion to aquatics lessons.
Moss said, “Unlike the AC, we are not Varsity-based. The Hart House is historically the gym for the U of T community. By providing programs for all levels from basic to high intensity we aim to promote fitness and well-being to everyone.”
The facilities at Hart House are impressive as well. There’s an upper gym, a lower gym, air conditioned work out rooms, activity rooms, a suspended running track, and a pool.
But what really caught my eye when I was wandering around Hart House was the beautifully manicured garden in the quad complete with tables and chairs where students were reading and drinking coffee. According to Moss, I was “welcome to relax in it.”
That was more like it.
