The College of New Jersey is home to over 150 different clubs and organizations, including sports, recreation, ethnic and religious groups, and Greek life. Yet for some students who aren’t satisfied with the options available to them, starting a club is easier than most would think.
TCNJ has always been proud to boast its success in Division III Varsity athletics, as well as its abundance of club and intramural sports. However, until very recently, there was no club basketball team at the college, despite the popularity of the sport among the student body. The only opportunity to play basketball for non-varsity players was from 3:30-6:00 daily at the Recreation Center, a relatively short period of time for such a popular sport. Junior business major Justin Jez, a familiar face at the rec center throughout his three years at the College, decided to pursue his goal of creating a club basketball team. With the help of other enthusiastic students, Jez sought the permission of Deb Simpson, Program Director of Intrumurals and Sports Clubs, and began distributing fliers and organizing tryout dates for the team.
Most importantly, Jez had to create a constitution, stating the club’s purpose and primary goals. Next, he had to go to the Student Government Association to seek their approval. After meeting with a smaller group of SGA members, an SGA representative presented the club to the rest of the organization. Fortunately, Jez’s constitution was approved, and Club Basketball was officially recognized at TCNJ, giving Jez the ability to begin his tryouts, practices, and tournaments.
Although the process took nearly a month to complete, Jez had the following to say about the experience. “When it comes down to it, the most important thing you need to start a club at this school is a passion for what you’re doing. I was fortunate to have the help of other students along the way, and I’m proud that we were able to get Club Basketball started at this school. It’s long overdue.”
With COM 270, this is Adam Mamawala.
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