Columbia University
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Some students are surprised to learn that Columbia has sports teams at all. Athletics are not a priority on campus, except for those who participate in them. Columbia is known for its academics not its athletics, and many
non-athletes (that is, most Columbians) rip on campus athletics any chance they can get. If you asked an engineering student if he went to last week’s football game, he would likely look at you as if you were deranged. Perhaps if Baker Field were not 100 blocks north of Columbia’s main campus, students would be more inclined to support Columbia’s athletes.

There are plenty of sporting opportunities available to those wishing to participate or watch, including many club teams and a dedicated Intramurals program offering everything from flag football to floor hockey. When the weather is good, it’s likely to see people participating in all sorts of athletics on the lawns in front of Butler Library. For those in need of a nature fix, Central Park and Riverside Park are both nearby. Those interested in athletics should check out the Spectator (Columbia’s primary student newspaper) to learn more about our Lions.

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Athletics at Columbia University

tovendan

Political Science and Government '12

0.8

D-

What Athletics?

Like most things at Columbia, athletics suck. The underground gym is a disgrace.

Apr 09, 2012

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Athletics at Columbia University

sapphire1223

Urban Studies and Affairs '15

3.8

B+

There If That's Your Thing

People here definitely have the choice to either seek out sports and athletics or not. The scene here isn't like the colleges you see in movies; there's not really a push for going to games. That's not to say that we don't have amazing teams and games and fans though; the games are huge. I'm just saying that a lot of people choose to stay away from athletics. Also, I suppose it's worth mentioning that the football field is not on campus; it's a few miles uptown (but there's a free shuttle!) We also have an amazing fitness center though, very top-notch.

Mar 20, 2012

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Athletics at Columbia University

ar3116

Music '15

3.5

B

Below Average

major sports (football, basketball, baseball) are not the best and student involvement can seem a below average, but it is nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be. Sporting events are still always fun to go to.

Mar 20, 2012

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Photos of Columbia University's Athletics

Dodge Fitness Center

Photo by nathuan329

Dodge Fitness Center The Dodge Fitness Center is an underground gym, home to the athletics department at Columbia. In addition to having a basketball court, the fitness center has a pool, squash courts, weight machines, a track, and many other fitness amenities.

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Photo by nathuan329

Lion Statue

Photo by nathuan329

Lion Statue The Lion, the mascot of Columbia University, was believed to have been chosen due to Columbia's historical designation as a "royal institution" (Columbia used to be known as King's College). The statue of the lion on campus is shown to be somewhat emaciated, symbolizing a "starving" for knowledge.

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Photo by nathuan329

Quidditch on South Lawn

Photo by nathuan329

Quidditch on South Lawn The lawns at Columbia are often open to many student activities, places for students to lay out and read on sunny days, and for students to get together to throw a Frisbee or, here, play a quick game of Quidditch. Photo credit: Catherine Chen.

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How popular are varsity sports on campus?

How popular are intramurals and club sports?

How would you describe the athletic facilities?

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