University students are succeeding in the classroom and on the fields and courts. Members of the Jiu-Jitsu, Equestrian and Roller Hockey sport clubs are heading to regional and national tournaments after successful regular seasons.
The Jiu-Jitsu Club is sending six qualifying members to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pan-American Championship, which takes place through March 17 in Irvine, Calif. Members will challenge thousands of competing white and black belts from North and South America at the second most-renowned professional tournament in the sport.
At St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, the Equestrian Club will compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) regional tournament on March 22. The three club members had to qualify in six shows throughout the year based on a point system.
After a 16-0 regular season, the Roller Hockey Team heads to Aston, Penn., for the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) tournament scheduled for April 9-13. The team enters the national competition after winning its second regional tournament. This will mark the third year the club has qualified for the NCRHA tournament. The NCRHA will host live broadcasts and streams of the tournaments.
Max Mello, assistant director for sport clubs with the Department of Recreational Services, stated, “It’s really exciting to see so much success in the sport clubs, and we wish the competitors the best of luck.”
Recreational services sport clubs feature 41 different teams with a total of 869 active members.