Students explore a variety of alpine adventures
By Andy Matarrese
Feel like the only sporting options in winter involve strapping yourself to some bits of fiberglass? Looking for something new?
Less downhill yet fun winter activities are offered through the university's own Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP).
Senior Chase Moore, a staffer at OPP, said he has always been an outdoor enthusiast - doing a lot of hiking and climbing in the warmer months. He said cross-country skiing felt like a natural progression.
"You can't let the climate hold you back," he said.
Moore, who is primarily in charge of cross-country skiing at OPP, said the programs are very accessible. Equipment is not required, and OPP helps participants secure rental gear.
"Here at OPP, we try to get any level of cross country skiers," Moore said. "Any level or fitness or experience is welcome to come aboard."
OPP also offers snowshoeing excursions, Moore said, adding that the program is always willing to take input form students about other possible activities. Stop by the OPP office in Howard Hall for more information or if you have your own ideas.
No cross-country skiing or snowshoeing trips are currently planned, but Moore said the program is hoping to lead another expedition early this March.
If cushy rides up to the mountain to wander around in the snow sound a little tame for you, you might give the action-packed sport of hockey a shot.
Freshman Chris Carcich said hockey requires great skill and hard work. It needs a little something extra as well.
"It takes balls to actually block a shot going 60 miles per hour," he said. Carcich, currently on hiatus from the game while at UP, picked hockey up about 12 years ago, after learning how to play from his older brother. He played goalie on a club team during high school and took his share of hits.
Carcich was hit one game and pinned against the bar of the net, wrapping his arm around it and dislocating his shoulder. During his time playing, he's also broken an ankle and rib and suffered a burst appendix.
"But against my doctor's advice, I kept playing," Carcich said. Appendix and all, that season his team made it to the playoffs and lost the championship game that would have led it to nationals.
He has, however, managed to keep all of his teeth.
He's also managed to get in a few hits of his own, partaking in a large fight with a rival team and later breaking his stick on someone's head.
"That was fun," Carcich said.
For those who may want to explore the world of ice hockey, Carcich recommended getting into to it first-hand.
"Don't watch it on TV, watch it live," he said.
Interested in seeing some hockey? The local Winterhawks' next game is on March 2 against the Kelowna Rockets. To get out on the rink yourself, try contacting the Sherwood Hockey Arena at www.sherwodicearena.com or (503) 625-5757 or the Valley Ice arena in Beaverton at valleyicearena.com or (503) 297-2521.
Into smash-mouth hockey-like fun but not so big on actual skates? The popular Canadian import broomball is just that: hockey without skates and a ball used in lieu of a puck. Although people can play with brooms, said freshman Rachel Kohl, the grand old game has since upgraded to more modern aluminum and rubber gear.
"It's vicious as hell," she said, recounting her broomball exploits in her North Dakota gym class. Not only is it a rough game, Kohl said, but the lack of traction adds another level of mayhem (and hilarity).
Kohl played goalie in her gym days, taking her fair share of big hits, one from an off-balance and overly enthusiastic gym instructor.
"My gym teacher was playing on the other team because we were loaded, at least that was his reason," she said, adding that her P.E. teachers were always quick to display their athletic prowess for their students.
Kohl said her teacher, barreling toward the goal, lost control and slammed into her. Kohl, however, held her ground and prevented her teacher from making the shot.
Picked as goalie on an all male team, Kohl knew what was at stake.
"I didn't back down because the guys' wrath was way worse than any injury," she said. Her teammates were awed at her tenacious defense.
The International Federation of Broomball Association governs broomball worldwide. For more information about this cheaper, more-than-hockey sport, visit the IFBA's Web site at www.internationalbrooball.com. To get playing yourself, all you really need are some brooms, a ball, some friends, some ice and a willingness to do a lot of falling down.
