At Swarthmore, sports almost always take a backseat to academics. However, approximately 60 percent of the student population is involved in athletics of some type, and although the administration does not give excessive funding to athletics, it, along with the faculty, does support the teams. The lack of spirit for Swarthmore’s teams is not just the student body’s fault, though. The teams tend to lose frequently and badly. The few exceptions are the men’s and women’s tennis teams, which consistently win conference titles, and the rugby and ultimate Frisbee teams, which have a cult-like following. Also, the soccer team has recently been winning conference titles and making national appearances. What about football, you ask? Well, the program at Swat was discontinued, along with wrestling, much to the dismay of some students. Rumor has it that the administration cancelled funding for the sports because of the overall violent nature of the Quakers. Another rumor is that Swarthmore football had too much success and the public started to think Swarthmore was more about a successful football program than a prestigious academic school, so the administration cut the football program.
Fortunately, Swat does offer an array of IM, varsity, and club teams that are generally accepting of even the least athletically inclined Swatties. Also, the athletic facilities, although often criticized, aren’t that bad. There are more than enough tennis courts, a new outdoor track, and a decent gym. Generally, sports at Swarthmore aren’t about winning; they’re about playing the game, which can be a good thing for those who break a sweat merely from playing beer pong.
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Athletics at Swarthmore College
C+
Athletics
I don't participate in sports but A LOT of the campus does. It's not very competitive and it's easy to walk on. I've gone to a few games and they are fun but not a school-wide social event. Sports facilities are top notch though the gym leaves a lot to be desired.
Oct 08, 2011
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Athletics at Swarthmore College
D
We're Pretty Much Used to Losing
As students, we are not very interested in supporting the teams. We are almost always overloaded with work, so unless someone you really care about is on the team, you won't really go to the matches/games.
I find student athletes here very admirable because I'm not even on a sports team and I have to try very hard to catch up with classes. Perhaps the teams here are not very good because students athletes are overloaded with work too and they must be very tired.
Feb 07, 2011
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Athletics at Swarthmore College
B-
Existing
More than half the campus is an athlete in some way. Some are part of varsity sports and the others participate in intramural or club sports.
Nov 09, 2010
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User rating for Swarthmore College - Athletics is
2.3 out of 5
based on 17 user reviews.
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