TYLER PACOS
Sports Editor
As a new student at SUNY Fredonia, being on a college campus for the first time can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. There will most definitely be lots to do, see and learn during the first few weeks at Fredonia. Nevertheless, once you have taken the time to settle in and find a routine that works for you, be sure to check out the abundance of activities that Fredonia’s campus has to offer to stay healthy and active.
SUNY Fredonia has 17 total sports teams for both men’s and women’s sports at the NCAA D3 level. Sports offered at Fredonia through the D3 level include: ice hockey, baseball, softball, cheerleading, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, cross country, track and field, soccer and swimming and diving.
In addition to the D3 teams, Fredonia also offers club teams and intramural sports for those who aren’t looking to commit to D3 sports. According to the fredonia.edu “Student Clubs and Organizations” tab, there are several club teams and fitness-based clubs offered at Fredonia. However, some of these clubs may not be active during the Fall 2022 semester.
The website lists the following clubs: Black Horse Rugby, Blue Ice Step Team, Club Field Hockey, Club Hockey, Club Ultimate Frisbee, EnFusion, Envied Xpression, Figure Skating Club, Fredonia Dance Team, Ski and Ride Club, Spikeball, Women’s & Men’s Club Soccer and Women’s Club Volleyball.
Intramural sports is also another great option for students who are looking to take on their fellow peers in a competitive setting. New leagues start at different points throughout the semester, giving students many options to choose from such as 3v3 soccer, co-ed volleyball, inner-tube water polo, dodgeball and many other leagues that will change constantly throughout the semester.
Still not looking to commit to a specific sport or club? That’s totally okay! Fredonia has a newly renovated fitness center available to all students. Just bring your FREDCard to the Blue Devils Fitness Center, located on the second floor of Dods Hall, and you will have access to a 9,000 square foot gymnasium with all new equipment at your disposal. Workout whenever you please during the normal hours of operation, which can be found on the Blue Devil Fitness Center website.
On top of the fitness center, students also will have access to attend, schedule and reserve events at Steele Hall Ice Arena, Steele Hall Natatorium and Dods Hall Gymnasium. More information can be found regarding our athletic facilities, as well as student usage by visiting fredoniabluedevils.com.
Another option for students is the Aerobics Center, located in the basement of Hemingway Hall. The Aerobics Center is home to numerous motivating aerobic classes where all students can participate in. Classes offered range from Zumba to yoga to cardio dance. More information about when these classes are offered can be found on the Aerobic Center’s webpage.
For residential students, there is a residents-only gym located in the basement of Schulz Hall by the name of the Wellness Center. The Wellness Center is a great option for those who are looking to avoid the crowd at the main fitness center on campus, as it is outfitted with free weights, Nautilus equipment, elliptical machines, exercise bikes and treadmills. More information can be found on the Wellness Center’s webpage.
You can even earn credits towards your degree at Fredonia by enrolling in a PHED course. Classes range from Aqua-Aerobics, Zumba, Body Sculpting and many more. For more information regarding physical education classes, go to the university catalog located on fredonia.edu and click on the current academic school year’s catalog for the most up-to-date list.
Lastly, our campus and local community has a plentitude of beautiful land to work with. Be sure to take time for yourself — take a brisk jog around Ring Road, or a scenic stroll through the nature trails that run through campus as well. If you need a break from the campus landscape, check out Lake Erie State Park or Point Gratiot State Park. Both parks have walking and biking trails for those looking to venture off campus.
Whether it’s on campus or off campus, in a fitness class or club, Fredonia offers something for everyone looking to be active during college. Be sure to explore your options and find what works best for you.