Bowdoin athletics have a huge presence on campus in regards to the level of participation. With more than 30 varsity teams, a handful of club teams, and three levels of intramurals, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Additionally, there are about two dozen fitness and sports classes offered here. The sports teams are supplied with great facilities that feature indoor and outdoor tracks, fields for a number of different sports, weight-training equipment, aerobic exercise machines, and offices for coaches. The athletes are supported by high-quality coaches, a team of athletic trainers, and, of course, funding from the College. Students must be dedicated to their team and training if they choose to participate in a sport at Bowdoin, but the level of commitment is not as great as at NCAA Division I schools. Bowdoin athletes are able to maintain some balance of life, since they are regarded as students first and athletes second (at least in the eyes of the administration, though some coaches ask for more commitment), and no one comes to Bowdoin on an athletic scholarship.
When it comes to fulfilling the spectator role, Bowdoin students are not quite as gung-ho. Perhaps their love for being active and participating in sports themselves prevents them from sitting down to watch others’ games or competitions. However, certain occasions that bring together the most popular sports, such as hockey, lacrosse, or football, with the most popular opponents, most likely Colby or Bates, can unite the student body in cheering, jeering, and all-around rambunctiousness. The Bowdoin men's hockey game versus Colby usually draws the biggest crowd of the year and provides a wall-slamming spectacle for sports fans and book nerds alike. Normally, though, students are more interested in playing their own sports than in watching others. Overall, athletics at Bowdoin are great for students who are looking to stay active, improve their personal athletic ability, and have a team with which they have close ties. Participation in a sport requires committing a large chunk of time to training, but playing at Bowdoin can be a perfect arrangement for those looking to be a student-athlete.
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Athletics at Bowdoin College
A+
Crew Club
We had a great fall term with our Crew Club, and received superb coaching and had use of a more than adequate facility owned by Bowdoin a few minutes off campus. Coming from the best crew high school program in the nation--no brag, just fact- at Kent School, I was not disappointed that I chose Bowdoin for its academics and overall environment in spite of it "only" having crew at the club level. We all took it seriously, as did our Coach, and had enough competition during the short fall season to keep us all engaged. Watch out for the Polar Bears this spring!!!
Dec 08, 2011
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Athletics at Bowdoin College
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International Studies and Government '15
5.0
A+
Athletes Are a Big Deal.
Our teams are doing really well in Division III. Athletics are also a pretty big deal on campus, as most of the parties you attend that aren't social houses are mostly sport teams parties. More than half of campus are engaged in either a varsity or club sport. If you are not involved in athletics however, you won't be shunned at all.
May 02, 2011
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Athletics at Bowdoin College
A
PLAY RUGBY
The quality of the athletic training staff is AMAZING. They do a great job keeping people healthy and playing. I started playing women's rugby (a no cut team like crew or ultimate frisbee) and have loved it. People go to games here! Men's hockey games (especially against Colby or in the playoffs) are packed and women's basketball is really popular too! Our facilities are SPECTACULAR! The new weight room is amazing and we have strength and conditioning coaches on hand to help with anything. Also, we have various levels of intramural and club sports that people have a lot of fun with. From IM Broomball to Varsity Lacrosse, you can do just about anything and be very well supported by the College.
Jul 22, 2010
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User rating for Bowdoin College - Athletics is
4.6 out of 5
based on 21 user reviews.
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