IM sports are almost as big, if not bigger, than varsity sports at Bates. The football team has a less-than-stellar record, but Nordic skiing, squash, basketball, and club ice hockey enjoy more success. Generally, IM sports are the school’s main attraction, though they can go unnoticed by people who aren’t actually playing them. Although a high percentage of Bates students participate in some kind of athletics, sports aren’t really a focus at the school. There is a sports scene on campus, with athletes hanging out together and supporting each other at games, but it by no means dominates life on campus.
This is not to say that athletics aren’t important at Bates, but academics always take top priority. Thus, varsity sports at Bates are Division III, with the exception of Nordic skiing and squash, which are Division I. While this has led to a low profile concerning athletics at Bates, there is certainly no lack of opportunities for students to play. Between varsity, IM, and club sports, students with almost any level of interest can find something that suits them. Bates also offers a number of PE courses, such as yoga, ballroom dancing, indoor climbing, and RAD self-defense for women. Four PE credits are required to graduate, and these can be satisfied by taking PE courses or participating in other sporting options. Sorry guys, beer pong’s not included.
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Athletics at Bates College
cdioli
Environmental Studies '14
4.6
A
Student Involvement
students at bates college really get involved in athletics. The support of students at games is really good and a high percent of students play a varsity sport which keeps our campus really active
Dec 06, 2010
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Athletics at Bates College
A lot of students play a varsity...
A lot of students play a varsity sport on campus, but the culture itself isn't so big. Students flock to bleachers for big rivalry games only.
Mar 19, 2009
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Athletics at Bates College
BatAF
Social Sciences '12
Basketball and hockey games are...
Basketball and hockey games are popular. The football team sucks and is a waste of money. The track, sailing, and crew teams tend to have a pretty cohesive group, as does lacrosse. There are IM sports, but you won't get PE credit, which is totally lame.
Feb 18, 2009
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User rating for Bates College - Athletics is
4.6 out of 5
based on 13 user reviews.
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