Hillsdale College Intramural and Intercollegiate Club Sports Programs Reach Success in 2023-2024
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College intramural (IM) sports, recreational club sports, and intercollegiate club sports programs have seen notable success in the 2023-24 academic year.
In its inaugural year of competition, the men’s rugby team clinched the Men’s National Collegiate Rugby Midwest Small College Championship. Competing in the Allegheny Rugby Union, one of the most competitive leagues for small colleges in the United States, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. “This was an incredible season for the rugby team,” said Rob Brandau, men’s rugby coach. “We could not have asked for a better introduction to the league and are looking forward to playing again next season.”
The sailing club and frisbee club both earned spots in regionals, with sailing qualifying for the first time. Additionally, for the first time in club history, women’s soccer reached the second round of playoffs.
Men’s wrestling had a standout season with a wrestler qualifying for nationals and placing 12th overall in the nation in March. In April, Club Frisbee qualified for regionals for the second year in a row and placed 2nd overall.
At Hillsdale College, non-varsity sports are categorized into IM sports, recreational club sports, and intercollegiate club sports. IM sports compete within the college, recreational club sports compete in non-collegiate leagues and scrimmages, and intercollegiate club sports teams compete in leagues or conferences against other colleges. “Having the opportunity to continue playing soccer competitively at Hillsdale and traveling with the team has been such a fun experience,” said Madison Gilbert, women’s soccer player. “We have such a great group of girls. It was so exciting to make club history this season.”
The intercollegiate club sports program has expanded significantly, sending five teams to post-regular season play in 2023: women’s soccer, sailing, rugby, wrestling, and frisbee. This year, Club Frisbee advanced to regionals in their first season, narrowly missing nationals. Women’s soccer progressed to the second round of playoffs for the first time in club history. Sailing Club advanced to regionals, also for the first time. The rugby team’s regional win capped off an outstanding debut season.
“We expect that these teams will continue their success this year,” said Ryan Perkins, director of campus recreation and club sports. “Men’s soccer and cycling are also pushing to make it to post-regular season play.”
Overall, the intercollegiate club sports program includes around 200 student participants across ten sports: cycling, equestrian, frisbee, rugby, sailing, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, spikeball, tennis, and wrestling.
For photos of intramural sports at Hillsdale College, click here.