New clubs are making an appearance on campus this year to create a more diverse club base.
S.O.A.R Club
One of the new clubs is referred to as S.O.A.R, which stands for “Step Out And Rise.”
The idea for this club started with student Jahdai Dunk. She has been writing poetry since freshman year. “[I wanted to] create a space where people can come together and use that gift in a small environment,” she said.
Dunk was encouraged to start a poetry club by one of her friends, Mawuli MacDonald.
“I heard her perform ‘I believe’ once at I-club and I was really moved,” MacDonald said.
Dunk wrestled with the idea of starting a club last year and through the summer. She finished the paperwork the day before the Involvement Fair, and that is when it became real.
“I wanted to do something to help myself grow and build my confidence in speaking,” Dunk said. “I also thought it would be good for other people to come together and do the same thing.”
This club is not exclusive to anyone who has written poetry. All who have an appreciation for poetry and hearing one another’s stories are encouraged to come.
“Writing poetry is not my gift but I appreciate that skill,” MacDonald said.
Dunk also wants those who are passionate about poetry to come to S.O.A.R.
“It’s a place where I want people to come, listen and build confidence. At the same time we need people to share so we can grow together,” Dunk said.
The first meeting for S.O.A.R. will most likely be in October. As of now S.O.A.R. plans to meet once or twice a month on Monday nights, although that might change to accommodate schedules.
Rugby Club
Another club currently trying to gain momentum on campus is the Rugby Club.
Physics professor Tyler Scott, who has had eight years of experience playing rugby, heads up the club.
“I love the game, so when I came here and they did not have [a club] I thought I would try to start one,” Scott said.
Rugby evolved out of soccer and is a free-flowing contact sport where teams focus on advancing the ball against the opponent.
Scott is currently trying to find a time that works for everyone to practice, likely Saturday mornings.
“A lot of people are interested in playing, but its hard to practice because everyone is so busy…I am just working on getting number up,” Scott said.
As soon as the number of participants gets large enough he wants to schedule a game that could potentially be this fall.
Once the club gets up and running it will register to join the National Small College Rugby Association. Some teams in this league include Wayne State, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota and Creighton.
If anyone is interested in joining the rugby club email Tyler Scott at:
tyler.scott@nwciowa.edu
