By David Russo

Many UCSB students enjoy tossing around a Frisbee at the beach, and some have turned that hobby into a competitive sport for an hour each week. Jon Cass, a third-year graduate student in UCSB’s Mathematics PhD program, is also in his third year of playing Intramural Sports. This quarter, Cass leads an Ultimate team, “Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women,” that is currently undefeated in the Coed Advanced league.

“I started playing Intramurals Sports when I first got to UCSB [in 2008],” Cass said. “One of my friends had come to UCSB the previous year and invited me to play on a team. I played with that team for a little while, but then some of the players left town and the team dissolved.”

After that, Cass didn’t have much continuity with one team for a while.

“I spent the next year or so bouncing around between teams and just playing whenever I got the chance,” Cass explained. “Then in the spring of last year, [former graduate student] Ariana Arcenas organized a team out of people who play pickup together when there are no Intramural Sport games going on.”

Arcenas’ team made a run for the championship last year.

“We did well last spring, and only lost in the finals,” Cass said. “[Arcenas] graduated at the end of last year, so I decided to keep the team going into this year.”

Cass talked about how he fits Ultimate into a schedule that includes research in algebra and number theory, with an emphasis on elliptic curves and Stark's conjectures. 

“As a graduate student, my schedule is very loose,” Cass said. “I teach for a few hours a week, and have class for a couple hours a week, but most of my time is spent reading, thinking about, and researching mathematics on my own schedule.

Cass explained that despite certain challenges, participating in Intramural Sports is definitely worth his time.

“It is not difficult to fit intramurals into my schedule, however it is sometimes disruptive if I am in the middle of a marathon grading schedule, or am finally making some headway in my reading,” Cass said. “That [being] said, I find that it is very important to make the time - the intramural games are an opportunity to work hard in a different way and interact with people that I would not see otherwise.  My head is always much clearer after a good game of Ultimate.”

Cass talked about the dynamic players on his team and how they have come to play well together.

“Our team has a vast range of experience levels,” Cass said. “Some people have been playing for over ten years and have competed at high levels, while others have just started this year. We only meet as a team for the games, but I know that many of the players look for opportunities between games to meet up and practice throwing.”

Overall, Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women has proven to be a fun and rewarding team for Cass lead.

“One of the aspects of my team that I am happiest about is our ability to welcome new players, while still maintaining a high level of play,” Cass said.  “I know that when I show up for games, I will get the chance to learn from players who are far better than I am, and also teach some players who are just getting started.”

The team is currently 6-0, with one game left before playoffs.

“I believe that we will remain undefeated through the rest of the games, but that remains to be seen,” Cass said.

The past game on February 25 against “The Plastics,” also undefeated at the time, proved to be a good test for both teams, with Little Jon and His Merry Men & Women prevailing.

“[That] game was very memorable,” Cass explained. “We played in the pouring rain, with no subs [as not everyone showed up because of] the rain.  We had a great game, and I hope we get the opportunity to play against them again in the playoffs.”

WHEN: March 7 – April 1
WHERE: Rec Sports Office

You Continued the Legacy during winter, now Capture the Legacy this spring by signing up for spring Intramural Sports! Take advantage of the quarter with the best weather by joining one of the most popular programs offered by UCSB Recreational Sports!

We offer 18 different sports this spring including softball, basketball, water polo, and indoor/outdoor soccer. There is a sport for everyone and no experience necessary.

Greek? Make sure to sign-up for the Greek Gauntlet on March 7 & 8th!

Sign-up between March 7^th and April 1^st in the Rec Sports Office. Be one of the first 100 students to sign up and receive a free wristband, putting you in the running to get Caught on Campus. If you’re caught, you’ll win a FREE Rec Sports tank. Spots go fast, so sign-up early!

By Lisa Gray

Do you still need to plan your 2011 Spring Break? Do Cabo and Puerto Vallarta sound too overdone and unoriginal? Do you want to learn new skills in a unique outdoor experience? Every year, UCSB Adventure Programs offers spring break opportunities perfect for gauchos who said yes to all the above. Whether you’re partial to snowy wilderness, desert-like hikes, or refreshing rivers, there is something for everyone. This year, for all outdoor enthusiasts who want a more intense experience, Adventure Programs proudly presents the Wilderness First Responder course. Trips are open to everyone, and thanks to Rec Sports and students’ initiatives, students may enjoy reduced rates. Spots are limited, so head to the Rec Cen cashier’s office to sign-up now!

Colorado River Canoe Trip
Saturday, March 19th - Tuesday, March 22nd

What better way to learn canoeing than by paddling up the Colorado River for the weekend? Even if you already feel comfortable in a canoe, experiencing the serenity of traveling through the Black Canyon, lined by breathtakingly high cliffs, is incomparable to your average river canoe trip. In fact, all skill levels are encouraged to join the experienced trip leaders, who are more than willing to teach or perfect canoeing skills. The three day trip begins at Willow Beach and ends at the Arizona Hot Springs campground for some rewarding relaxation. Round trip transportation, canoeing instruction, canoes and canoeing gear, breakfast and dinners while camping, as well as group cooking gear are all included in the registration fee. You must supply your own personal equipment, lunch and road meals. Sign up now to ensure you will experience one of the best and most beautiful ways to spend spring break on the water.

Backpacking in the Grand Canyon
Friday, March 18th - Thursday, March 24th

The beauty of the Grand Canyon has intrigued mankind for hundreds of years. Despite the constant inflow of travelers, the canyon remains a natural wonder worth exploring. One can’t help but be awed from being “three quarters of a mile in the depths of the earth [surrounded by] walls and cliffs that rise to the world above” (as described by John Wesley Powell). Due to permit scarcity and competition, UCSB Adventure Programs is extremely fortunate to have received permission for five consecutive days of hiking and camping through the main corridor of the canyon.

The group will leave Friday morning for the South Rim of the Canyon. The next five days will consist of eight to ten mile hikes, which require participants to be in good physical condition, preferably with previous backpacking experience. Night temperatures are expected to be cold, with the possible chance of snow, so pack warm! The trip home will include a planned camping stop and arrival to campus early Friday evening. Paying for registration includes round-trip transportation, breakfasts and dinners while camping, camping fees, permit fees and group equipment. Due to permit restrictions there are only nine spaces available for participants, so hurry to secure your spot!

Wilderness First Responder Course
Saturday, March 19th - Saturday, March 27th

For those of you who spend all your time outdoors and aren’t already certified Wilderness First Responders, what are you waiting for? You owe it to your friends and yourself to take this definitive medical training course. Being up to date and comfortable with proper wilderness medical aid is a must for all outdoor leaders and frequenters. A successful completion of the 72-hour course will earn you a Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification card from Wilderness Medical Associates valid for 3 years. All CPR course curriculum taught is consistent with current American Heart Association standards at the healthcare provider level. Register soon to insure your safety on all future outdoor excursions!

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To register or find more information, please visit http://gauchosplay.com/adventure-programs/spring-break-2011. Several of these trips are offered multiple times in a year. Explore the UCSB Adventure Programs website to see what and when the other trips and courses are offered—there is guaranteed to be a course to meet any Gaucho’s outdoor interests.

By Lisa Gray

Spending time getting to know the natural world around you is more than worthwhile—anyone who has enjoyed rock climbing, kayaking, or hiking will attest to that—but it isn’t always easy to arrange or commit to wilderness excursions. The excuses are endless: You don’t know which trails are best, you aren’t sure what equipment canyoneering requires, you can’t find friends willing to climb with you on the weekends… The list goes on and on.

The Leadership Training Course (LTC) leaves you with no excuses. Proudly provided by UCSB Adventure Program staff (all of which are former LTC members), the course offers guided trips, equipment rentals, hands-on training, and enthusiastic friends to join you on your outdoor adventures. Physics major Jacob Staines tells us how the LTC shaped his freshman year of college and helped him make the most of all the outdoor opportunities around him.

Q: Why did you register for the LTC?
Jacob Staines: I was drawn to UCSB Adventure Programs Leadership Training Course [by the] opportunity to learn. There is so much to do out in the mountains or on the sea, you would be hard pressed to go out there and not learn. I wanted to compliment what experience I had with some professional training, as well as develop new experiences.

Q: Now that you’ve spent nearly six months with your fellow LTC-ers, you must have a lot of great memories. Do you have a favorite?
JS: One of the best parts about LTC is the inevitable development of the LTC family. One of my most profound memories from LTC was on the car ride back from our three-day canoe trip on the Colorado River. This trip took place in November, before any classroom sessions had begun. We had set out, for the most part, as complete strangers. We spent three days on the river, and came back more comfortable with each other than some of us were with our roommates.

Q: The LTC consists of an unbelievable amount of valuable hands-on and classroom instruction. Can you tell us a little about the learning experience?
JS: The learning in LTC comes in three forms.

1.    First, we go out with instructors to experience the wilderness first hand. Here we learned to repel, roll kayaks, cook on a camp stove, and countless other hands-on skills and techniques.

2.    Next we would take these experiences with us into the classroom, where we could break down conflicts and scenarios, discuss options, and learn how to problem solve.

3.    Last, through LTC we are given the freedom to go out and use the AP gear on our own time, to further develop our experience, and to put our classroom discussions to use.

Q: Now that you’ve nearly completely the course, how would you say the LTC has changed your daily life?
JS: What I feel I have developed most drastically is my outlook that the world is out there waiting for me. If I want to spend my Thursday morning rock climbing, all it takes is a desire, some friends who share that desire, and a little planning to make it happen. LTC has helped me to develop all three of these aspects.

Q: It seems you have definitely made a lot of friends and memories. Would you say the LTC has affected your social life as well?
JS: LTC has had a greater role in my social life than any other aspect of college thus far. I have gotten to know everyone in the class on some level, and most have become very close friends. There are people from the UC, the CC, and from the surrounding residence, all of whom I can seek and interact with on my own time. Indeed, some of my closest friends were those who I first met in LTC. I feel that describing LTC as anything less than a family does not do it justice.

Q: The LTC is considered training for future UCSB Adventure Program staff. Are you considering taking that next step?
JS: I am eager to become part of AP Staff, where I will be able to develop my skills even more, develop my friendships even more, and help others to meet the same goals. Oh yeah, and have a hell-of-a-time doing it!

Q: How would you promote adventure for those who are considering adding some excitement to their life?

JS: The occasional adventure every few weeks fits very nicely into college life. If gives me something to look forward to and to seek passion in, and it gives me the chance to balance my studies with mentally and physically healthy activities. It’s a win-win.

 

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Check out the details at www.recreation.ucsb.edu/adventureprograms/staff.aspx or just visit the MAC to talk to current Adventure Programs staff! Take a course that will change the way you take advantage of the outdoors.

By David Russo

The UCSB women’s club volleyball teams played in the Far Westerns tournament in Davis over the weekend, with the Blue team placing 3^rd and the Gold team finishing tied for 9^th out of 45 teams. Blue team lost in the semi-finals to San Jose State.

“We were hoping to finish in the top three,” junior setter Megan Funk said. “It’s one of the biggest tournaments in terms of how rankings are determined.”

Gold team is also happy with their performance.

“It was the first tournament this season we made it to the Gold bracket [instead of Silver or Bronze],” junior outside hitter Lizzie Spencer said.

Last week the teams had an eventful Presidents’ Day weekend, as they traveled to play USC on Saturday before returning home on Sunday for a double header against Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount. The Blue team won all three matches, while the Gold team went 1-2.

Blue team beat USC 3-2 and then swept both Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount 2-0 each.

“We expected to win,” Funk said. “[But] we still have a lot to work on. We have a lot of skill but our meshing needs to be worked on.”

At 5-2 and ranked #21 in the country, Blue team looks to repeat the success they had in 2009 when they won the Division I National Championship and last year when they finished ranked #9.

“We expect our ranking to go up,” Funk said. “We should be a little better than last year [by the end of the season].”

One of the team’s losses came to #4 Arizona at the UCLA Invitational on February 5. The Gauchos finished fifth in the tournament, while Arizona finished in first.

“Arizona has been our rival for the past two years, since we beat them in the National Championship game,” Funk said.

The team has two players who were previously on UCSB’s intercollegiate team: junior libero and captain Jane Hinkle and senior setter Jessica Welch.

“Jessica’s great because we can run a 6-2 [rotation] and always have three hitters,” Funk said.

For Gold team last weekend, it lost to the Trojans 3-0, then lost a close match to the 49ers 2-1 before getting on track for a 2-1 win over the Lions, bringing its record to 2-5.

“We have a lot of individual talent but we need to pull it together,” sophomore middle blocker Tiffanie Schang explained.

Junior outside hitter Christan Schaefer agreed with this assessment.

“We need to build team chemistry,” she said.

One of the team’s losses was a positive display of the team’s potential. At the UCLA invitational, #4 Arizona beat the Gauchos 2-1, but they were the only team to win a game against them, as Arizona swept their other opponents.

Schaefer previously played for Colorado’s intercollegiate team before transferring to UCSB this year. Senior outside hitter Christina Nowak also played for the Gauchos intercollegiate team before switching over to the club team.

“[Sport Clubs] allow for more balance between school and sports,” Schaefer said. “We have games every week and tournaments almost every week, but they’re always on weekends,” Spencer explained.

This weekend, both teams return home for a rematch against USC on March 6. Then the Gauchos have a tournament in Las Vegas March 18-19.

“We’re excited to prove ourselves at the Las Vegas Open and are anticipating to qualify for State Finals,” Schaefer said.

Both teams play in the Southern California Collegiate Volleyball League, and League Championships will take place March 26 in San Diego for the top four teams.

Blue team is hoping to win another league title.

“We’ll definitely finish in the top four,” Funk said.

State Finals will be hosted by UCSB on April 2. Afterwards, Nationals will be held April 7 – 9 in Houston.

By Brent MacDonald

UCSB Women’s Lacrosse finished the annual Santa Barbara Shootout with an even record of 2-2 this past weekend. Wins came against University of Michigan and Lindenwood University, while the Gauchos lost to women’s club teams from University of Pittsburgh and University of Florida.

“We communicated with each other a lot this weekend,” junior Courtney Choi said. “It’s something we practice everyday and we took it to the field this weekend.”

The tournament opener for UCSB against Michigan was played amidst a torrential downpour of rain, the first of its kind during a women’s lacrosse game this year.

“It was really intense,” Choi said. “There was so much wind…[we played] mind over body and pushed through it. It was a fun game.”

UCSB gained an 8-5 lead at the half, and continued its offensive play throughout the second period. The Gauchos outscored Michigan 3-1 in the final ten minutes of the game with two of its players sitting out due to yellow card violations given during the first half.

“We changed up our attack,” Choi said. “We were still able to get those goals with two less people on the field.”

The second game of the tournament for UCSB was played against Pittsburgh, which had lost its first game of the shootout against BYU. The Gauchos trailed Pittsburgh by one goal at halftime, and saw the lead increase to 7-3 with just twelve minutes remaining. UCSB went on a 4-0 scoring run in the final minutes to push the game to overtime.

With 13 seconds remaining in the extra period, Pittsburgh scored the goal to ensure its victory.

“Overtime is always really difficult,” senior Ashley Antoon-Algieri said. “Our offense wasn’t playing the way they usually do. We needed like five more minutes to come back.”

UCSB’s third game ended with a loss against Florida University. Florida was only up 6-5 against the Gauchos at the half, but went on to outscore UCSB 6-2 in the second period for a final victory of 11-7.

“Florida controlled the ball the whole game,” Antoon-Algieri said. “They’d get it on offense, calm it down and score a really nice goal. We weren’t in the game.”

The Shootout came to an end for UCSB when it faced off against Lindenwood University in both team’s final games of the tournament. Both Lindenwood and UCSB were equally balanced throughout the game as each team took 18 shots on goal. A five-goal run in the first half gave the Gauchos a 7-6 lead at halftime. Another scoring spree anchored a 4-1 run for UCSB in the second period, and finished the game with an 11-7 victory.

Beating Lindenwood allowed UCSB to finish the tournament without going on a three-game losing streak, and served as an important part of the team’s motivation for the season.

“Those two [losses] were our wake-up call,” Antoon-Algieri said. “It’s good to lose early [in the season] and have that wake-up call. We walked off the field satisfied with that last game.”

UCSB will return to the practice field for the remainder of the week in preparation for its game against visiting John Fisher College next Monday February 28 at 12:30 pm on Storke Fields.

By Brent MacDonald

This weekend’s regional races in Lake Tahoe welcome a change in scenery for the UCSB Ski and Snowboard team, which will once again attempt to compete at a high level against schools that are built adjacent to snowy mountains, rather than sandy beaches.

Though UCSB hails from the sunny backdrop of southern California, it is often a surprise to other schools that the team is able to compete at such a high level.

“We do well in our league then go to regionals, and we’re competitive against teams in the mountains,” sophomore Michael Scinto said. “It’s a shocker to most teams that we’re next to the beach then go up to the mountains and still do well in competition.”

UCSB competes against other Southern California teams throughout winter quarter at Mammoth Mountain, and only travels to a different snow resort for regionial and national races. This year’s regional races will be held at Sugarbowl resort in Lake Tahoe. Scinto, a freestyle and slalom skier, participated through both regional races and national races last season, and believes that national competition is the highlight of the ski and snowboard season.

“Last year was one of the best trips of my life,” Scinto said. “I had a really great time and it’s definitely a lot harder of competition but I think we’re up for it.”

This year’s squad has multiple members that have placed in the top two for various races. UCSB’s Kevin Scardigli is ranked second in men’s alpine skiing, while senior Haley Yolken is currently ranked first in the southern California league in the women’s Alpine skiing event. Scinto is ranked second in men’s freestyle skiing.

In comparison to timed-race Alpine events, freestyle races demand more focus on the freedom of tricks and jumps, which attracts much more popularity of competitors. Yolken’s success in the Alpine events is a rarity for UCSB, yet may soon attract attention of its own through her accomplishments.

“Northern California teams are usually better in Alpine events,” Scinto said. “A lot of kids don’t want to race…It’s good to have [Yolken] with a lot of success in racing because they see that if someone can do it, they can too.”

Yolken will anchor a women’s squad that was successful in winning the freestyle skiing event at last year’s national races. The journey to reach nationals this year begins at regional races this weekend, where teams from the northern California league will compete against UCSB for the first time this season, and may have an advantage due to proximity to the mountains.

“There’s a few schools near Tahoe that [can] train everyday,” Yolken said. “Some have campuses five minutes away from the mountain. They’re good competition.”

Teams that hail from colder climates and compete at higher levels will challenge UCSB’s high standings in the southern California league.

“This weekend…is a good preview of what else is out there,” Yolken said. “It puts things into perspective. I might be first in the southern California league, but when you look at all of California I might not be top five.”

Yoken, Scinto and the rest of the UCSB Ski and Snowboard team will try to place in the top two finishers in each event in order to increase their chances of being chosen for nationals. National races take place March 7-12.

“California is one of the strongest states that shows up to nationals,” Yolken said. “We just have to be confident in our abilities and stick to what we know [how to do].”

By David Russo

This quarter, five of Rec Sports’ sponsors agreed to sponsor select Intramural Soccer teams. Tri-Valley Trophies, Student of Fortune, Isla Vista Bookstore, Woodstock’s Pizza, and Jungle George Grill each paid the registration fee for one team and also provided team shirts for all members of a team, a value of almost $200.

Teams were chosen based on an online contest, open to anyone who planned to make a team for winter quarter. The top five teams who helped promote UCSB Recreational Sports’ page on Facebook won this sponsorship opportunity. Teams earned points by commenting, posting, sharing videos, and tagging photos on the page.

Marjan Riazi, manager of “The Big Yellow” sponsored by Student of Fortune in the Coed Advanced league, is excited that her team is one of the five that were selected.

“I saw the promotion on Facebook and entered my team,” Riazi said. “I wasn't really expecting to be one of the winning teams because I figured more people would be taking advantage of the program, but we ended up being chosen.”

Kevin Trigueros, manager of the Tri-Valley team in the Men’s B league, explained how he found out about the sponsorship opportunity by one of his friends.

“My friend [Omar Campuzano] found the Rec Sports page on Facebook and told me about it,” Trigueros said. “I went on and found out every detail that I had to do to win.”

Campuzano is also one of the five winners and his team “Red Devils FC” in the Men’s Advanced league is sponsored by Woodstock's. Mark Simon’s Coed B team is sponsored by Jungle George, and decided to change the team’s name to “Jungle George Predators.”

“I was told about the program by a member of my team, Shaun Moinpour who is a member of the Rec Sports Marketing Team,” Simon said. “He was the one responsible for signing us up.”

Riazi, who has had an outdoor soccer team since her freshman year, explained how being sponsored has helped make this an even better quarter for Intramural soccer than usual.

“We've benefited from Students of Fortune through them paying for our team's registration and also the free team shirts,” Riazi said. “They're actually surprisingly helpful since oftentimes my team doesn't wear the right color so it makes it easier to have an actual uniform.”

Trigueros and Simon expressed similar thoughts on the ways their teams benefit from being sponsored.

“This program has helped us out a lot,” Trigueros said. “One way that it has benefited us is that we didn't have to worry about uniforms or paying the registration fee … it saved fifty dollars from my pocket.”

“We were given t-shirts that represent the Jungle George logo,” Simon said. “We wear [them] to games, the gym, or just to sport in general, making the shirts good advertising.”

Additional perks are available to the teams throughout the quarter. Tank tops, water bottles, and free food from the sponsors will be given to the team that proves to be the most spirited by acquiring the most spirit points.

The Big Yellow has successfully translated this sponsorship opportunity and shown spirit with their on-field performance.

“So far this is one of our best quarters ever,” Riazi said. “We're undefeated, with one tie and five wins. We're in first place for our league so that's pretty awesome.”

The Jungle George Predators are in a similar position at 3-1.

“We’re making a run for the championship,” Simon said.

The future of the Adopt-a-Team program has yet to be determined, but may be offered just one quarter per year. Sponsored or not, each team has expressed interest in continuing to play Intramural soccer after this quarter.

“[We’ll play next quarter,] sponsored by Jungle George, if they take us back,” Simon said.

“I'll definitely have a team next quarter,” Riazi said. “It's going to be the last quarter with some of our veterans, but I'm sure it'll be a great one.”

By Ben Chodos

Adam Makhyoun, a fourth year Psychology major at UCSB, is a regular participant in Intramural basketball and football. Even though Adam looks like another athlete pulling down rebounds and catching passes, he faces unique challenges, not just while on the basketball court or football field, but in every day life.

When he was 19 years old, Adam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “I lost thirty or forty pounds in a month,” Makhyoun said when describing the symptoms he experienced just before he was diagnosed. “I went to the doctor and my blood sugar was at 768, which means I was in danger of falling into a coma. I spent a couple days in the ICU and they got me back to normal. I read some books, talked to some nurses, and I’ve been learning about the disease ever since.”

Diabetes is a metabolic disease where the body is either unable to produce the required amount insulin, or the cells do not respond to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. Makhyoun was eager to explain the difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

“I am Type 1, which mean I’m insulin dependent, so basically my pancreas does not work. Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant. Their body rejects the insulin that is produced. 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, so I am part of a small minority.”

Diabetics must be constantly aware of their blood sugar level, and most carry a testing kit with them.

“I test between classes, always before I eat, and before I go out or go to play ball,” Makhyoun said. “It’s always the first thing I do when I wake up, and I test six to ten times a day, depending on how much I have going on.”

Makhyoun stressed how beneficial playing sports is for his condition.

“When exercising, your muscles absorb the sugars in your blood, and I can sometimes go four to six extra hours without additional insulin. I love basketball, and the fact that it helps with my diabetes makes it that much better. But you have to watch out, because ten to twelve hours after playing, sometimes when you’re sleeping, you will get hit with low blood sugar. But I just eat some sugar and I’m back to normal in a matter of minutes.”

Makhyoun stressed how importing eating well is in his life, “the most important part of a diabetic’s life is family, food, and friends, in no particular order.”

Despite his condition, Makhyoun remains constantly optimistic.

“Diabetes is more of a yield sign than a stop sign,” he said. “It makes you more aware. I pay much better attention to my health now than I did before. I’m better off now in my life, with diabetes, than I was before.”

By David Russo

Adam Hurwitz, a third year Global Studies major, has participated in Intramural Sports every quarter since his sophomore year, except when he studied abroad in Madrid, Spain for Fall 2010. Hurwitz is currently pursuing his hobby of table tennis by playing in the singles A-1 league.

While in Spain, he was still able to play his favorite sport.

“I played [table tennis] at a hostel in Barcelona,” Hurwitz said. It was awesome.”

Hurwitz explained how Intramural Sports are one of his priorities to fit in with his school schedule. He also plays Intramural indoor Soccer right now, making it the third time he’s played table tennis and soccer in the same quarter.

“I like to play both every quarter,” he said. “I usually try to get my classes early because games are at night.”

Hurwitz got into table tennis by playing ping-pong during tenth grade when he and his friends became interested in the sport.  Table tennis differs from ping-pong in that it has more formal rules and is played up to 11 points; ping-pong can vary in its rules and how long games last.

“I played all throughout high school,” Hurwitz said. “One summer that was pretty much all I did. I bought a table for my garage. I just played with my friends all the time … so I thought I’d try my luck with random competition [starting in 2009].”

A friend’s parents sparked Hurwitz’s interest in the sport.

“My friend’s dad was really good,” he said. “He used to play professionally in Ireland.”

Although he didn’t play for Intramural Sports right away, Hurwitz did make use of the ping pong tables in the residence halls his freshman year.

“I lived in San Nicholas and played there all the time,” Hurwitz said. “I’d go over to play in Anacapa a lot too.”

Hurwitz is interested in knowing what a table tennis career after college would be like.

“I’d really like to continue playing, if I’m able to,” Hurwitz said. “There are a lot of people who play in legit leagues.”

However, Hurwitz admitted that he unsure of what playing in such a league would consist of, “I don’t know anything about professional table tennis. There are probably a lot of people who play professionally in China.”

One of Hurwitz’ roommates, Connor Oakes, also plays in the A-1 league this quarter. They haven’t had an official match against each other this quarter, but they do practice together when they get the chance.

“Sometimes we go to the gym and play for a while,” Hurwitz remarked, and then explained why they won’t make a doubles team. “I don’t like doubles too much, it’s too chaotic. I just play it for fun.”

Hurwitz’s current record is 2-2, and has had some close matches so far.

“One game I was up two sets to zero, the other guy came back to tie it 2-2, but then I won the final set 11-9, so that was an exciting game to win,” Hurwitz said.

The best finish Hurwitz has had so far was third place in Winter 2010. Despite missing a couple games for being sick, he hopes to have similar success as the playoffs approach this quarter. He identified some of his toughest competition; besides Oakes, a graduate student Andrew Berman and first year Economics major Peng Zhang. Hurwitz is looking to make it back to at least the semi finals again.

“I should definitely have another good finish,” Hurwitz concluded.