Embracing the other sports in UT’s athletic repertoire

Texas football has long been over, and Texas basketball continues to be a massive disappointment after the promises of last year. For most people that means UT’s collegiate sports are a lost cause, and those people are also full of shit. We’ve got plenty of athletes amongst our 50,000 students, most of them who aren’t involved in America’s most popular games. If the season has you feeling blue, take a look at any of these other ventures to rev up that athletic pride in a nontraditional way.

Golf

Yeah, golf! Why not? The University of Texas actually does have a respectful golf program (both men and women), and your Longhorn team is currently competing in the Southern Highlands Collegiate Invitational somewhere in Las Vegas, Nev. You’re excused if you didn’t know that was a thing until you read it. From March 16-17, your Longhorns will be back in Austin in the Morris Williams Invitational. Considering these kids probably only get support from their parents and golf enthusiasts, go ahead and give them some love! You might even learn a thing or two on your putting touch.

Baseball and softball

In case you didn’t know, the Longhorn baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. College baseball has never been a primary draw in the grand hierarchy of the NCAA, but then you remember that Texas fielded Roger Clemens long before he became an infamous steroid-junkie. With the MLB season only a few short weeks way, this could be an ideal gateway back into the swing of things. (Get it? Swing? Anybody? Oh, never mind.) Next time you find yourself bored and discontent on a Wednesday night, go out and catch a baseball game or a softball match, and stop bitching about having nothing to do. This is what college is for.

Rowing

Rowing is a sport you often see advertised with a giant “NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!” slogan somewhere in the east mall at the beginning of each semester. This is the case because, well, nobody really knows what rowing is. I sure as hell don’t. I’m pretty sure it involves rowing, though the picture on the website features a bunch of tough-looking dudes rowing a boat. So that might be kind of fun? I’m not selling you, am I? Well think of it this way. You, dear UWeekly reader, have the opportunity to become the first ever rowing superfan in the history of the sport! You would be the most cherished figure of rowing mythology. You’ll be the sole reason the Texas team won’t regret failing to make the football team! They’ve got an event on March 17 at Lady Bird Lake. Be there and fulfill your destiny.

Tennis

Tennis is among the most fashionable sports in the world, mainly because the word “Wimbledon” just feels like prestige. It’s also among the most entertaining. If you were lucky enough to witness Nadal and Djokavich’s epic 4 AM duel in the Australian Open a few weeks ago, you know what I’m talking about. Assuming you’re reading this on a Wednesday, the Texas tennis team has a match with San Diego State tomorrow night at 6 PM. I guarantee you have nothing better to do on an early Thursday evening than watch a tennis match. You could listlessly burn time on the internet, or you could be watching your fellow humans compete in levels you will never, ever approach. It’s a pretty easy call.

Luke Winkie