Urban Sports
A Web search of team sports in Columbus might generate a lot of tips on dating… what? I guess getting involved with a team sport is a great way to hook up. And hey, if that’s why you’re there, good luck. We don't really care why you’re there; we just want to make sure you know where “there” is.
If you are itching to get out and play soccer, volleyball, dodge ball, tennis, croquet, bocce or football, or if you are just looking for workout buddies but the only team sport your friends participate in is happy hour (and to their credit, there are some really good ones, but that’s another story!), there are alternatives.
Monster TeamsAt www.sportsmonster.net, sports enthusiasts can find leagues in any city, but most importantly Columbus. Sports Monster provides detailed information on dodge ball, go-deep football, kickball, softball, tennis and volleyball teams. Registration for all of these sports starts in the summer for the fall leagues.
Each sport has its own page with information on current and upcoming programs, locations, number of players on a team, news about recent games, and rules and regulations. Search for your skill level, a convenient location near you and find out how to register. Whether you are starting up your own team or you are going in solo you can find an outlet for your experience and talent.
Goodale Park, Whetstone Park of Roses and the downtown YMCA are just a few places near you featured on Sports Monster that host a variety of games.
A Gay Old TimeLove to bowl? Are you gay? Both? Then check out www.gaybowling.net and join a league that puts your talents to the test. Upcoming events include Sunday Brunch League, Not Ready for Prime Time, New Fun Monday League, Tuesday Night League, Polyester Bowling Academy and Friday Four Play League. Check out the site, call (614)276-3185 or email Gene@CMHGayBowling.com to get the details. To check a team’s stats visit www.leaguesecretary.com.
A Gentleman's SportYou might have seen them on The Ohio State University Cricket grounds practicing. Since 1996, Columbus Cricket Club (CCC) has been celebrating this “Gentlemen’s Game,” by building a league that has included players from India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh. Associated with the United States Cricket Association, the CCC offers open membership.
This talented team strives to get the word out about the game through their own accomplishments in national tournaments and through youth clinics and camps that bring the game to younger generations.
So, whether you are ready to play or you want to impart your knowledge to others, check out the Columbus Cricket Club and find out how you can contribute.
The Ultimate SportAnd the ultimate sport is…Frisbee of course! It’s fun to throw the Frisbee with the dog in the park, but even more fun to hone your Frisbee throwing skills for a friendly competition. Since 2000, The Columbus Ultimate Disc Association (CUDA) has promoted ultimate Frisbee as a competitive sport, drawing players from all walks of life.
The summer league is well underway and the next league to be formed will be for the fall so practice and get be ready to head over to Whetstone Park of Roses, for Frisbee fun.
Step It UpIf you want to spice up your morning stroll and you feel like your ready for the next step, check out the Buckeye Striders, a walking club for fitness and competitive race walkers.
Make your walk a workout and get ready to join one of the many marathons in Columbus, around Central Ohio and beyond.
Dangerous DamesAre you a female seeking an outlet for pent-up aggression? Check out the Ohio Roller Girls (OHRG), Ohio’s first and only all female roller derby league. The OHRG is comprised of four teams that are gaining notoriety in Columbus as they go head to head at the Columbus Convention Center.
Not for the faint of heart, the OHRG will accept new members. Being female is a given. You must also be 21-years-old and not afraid of a few bruises. The next try-outs will be in 2008.
Cutting New PathsWhen you go for a ride do you want to feel the wind in your hair and a connection to the open road? Whether you own a scooter, motorcycle, moped, Vespa or some other two-wheel motorized mean machine, the Columbus Cutters Scooter Club welcomes you.
Not exactly a team sport, this growing group of enthusiasts encourages new members to attend meetings, join the online discussion group and participate in parties, rallies and events that celebrate the world on two-wheels. If you’re not sure about joining, check out the member profiles on the Web site and join their discussion group to learn more about weekly meetings and upcoming events.
Sports HistoryCombine your love for history with your passion for sports! The Ohio Historical Society brings the early days of baseball back with the Ohio Village Muffins and the Diamonds Ladies base ball clubs.
The games played by these teams hark back to a time when the Victorian sensibility prevailed and these codes dominated player conduct. It’ can be a challenge to adhere to rules that are more than 150 years old to create the mood as it was in the mid 19th century.
To be a part of bringing history to life and getting exercise in the process, contact Laura Calvelage at the Ohio Historical Center. She can be reached at 614-297-2679 or via e-mail lcalvelage@ohiohistory.org.
An Aristocratic Pastime Goes UrbanIf you revel in the chaos of the Doo Dah Parade every July 4, and appreciate the exuberance created by the DisOrganizers, mark October on your calendar…they’re back!
The annual Short North Urban Croquet tournament will take place in Goodale Park. Deb Roberts (a.k.a. Mz. Doo Dah) says the tradition started years ago. “The game started in a gravel lot across from the Short North Tavern. I didn’t get to see that one, but from people’s account, it was really a hoot,” she says.
Get more information about the Short North Urban Croquet tournament here.