Northwest’s New Pickleball Club: The Student Senate convened for its first meeting of the fall semester at 7 p.m. on September 3. Among the evening’s significant decisions was the approval of Northwest’s new pickleball club, which had its origins at the Student Recreation Center.
A New Addition to Campus Life
The proposal for the pickleball club came from Tanner Hudnall, the club’s president. Hudnall shared that the initiative had already garnered interest from over 40 potential members.
“Our goal is to promote the sport of pickleball. It’s super easy to learn. We want to give that opportunity to everyone on campus.” – (Hudnall)
Support for the club has been strong, particularly from Congwen Wang, the club’s staff adviser, who funded the necessary paddles and equipment. Hudnall emphasized that Wang’s enthusiasm for the sport was a driving force behind the club’s formation, aiming to educate and provide play opportunities for students.
Campus Support and Concerns
Sophomore Class Representative Anna Tucker highlighted the existing popularity of pickleball at the recreation center.
“I work with the Rec Center, and I see these people playing pickleball all the time, so they’re super passionate about the sport. I also think when fresh energy people get to the campus, they also want organizations that they want to be involved in. It’s really something to join.” – (Tucker)
However, Tucker also raised concerns that the new club might impact the pickleball tournaments currently hosted at the recreation center. Despite this, the club’s approval was confirmed through a voice vote. Tucker pointed out that pickleball’s accessibility compared to other sports could be beneficial for the campus community.
Club Logistics and Future Plans
The pickleball club’s meetings are scheduled to take place at various locations, including the Recreation Center, Maryville Community Center, and the tennis courts by Tower Suites. Meetings will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, either from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional Senate Business
Following the approval of the pickleball club, the Senate appointed new representatives to various campus departments. Out of 20 nominees, six were appointed, including Carter Stancil for Graduate Assistant, Meagan Moreland for Lead Green, and Karinne Howell for Panhellenic Representative. The Inclusion representatives now include Jessica Giles and Lili Bryant, filling two of the five available positions.
Salvatore Bonadonna was reappointed as the Interfraternity Council Representative, expressing his intent to be more vocal this term.
“I was on Student Senate for IFC last year, and I really like to continue that work. I was a little quiet last semester, and I told myself this summer that if I could stand up here again, I’m going to open my mouth and yap a bit more. I really appreciate the opportunity to do that this semester.” – (Bonadonna)
Other Senate updates include Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Student Life James Gulbranson’s departure, effective September 4, and upcoming events: an informed voting event scheduled before the next Senate meeting on September 10, and a Senate booth at the Organization Fair on September 11.
News in Brief: Northwest’s New Pickleball Club
The Student Senate’s first fall meeting on September 3 saw the approval of a new pickleball club at Northwest, proposed by Tanner Hudnall. The club, backed by adviser Congwen Wang, aims to promote pickleball on campus.
Meetings will be held at various locations, including the Recreation Center. The Senate also appointed new representatives and acknowledged Assistant Director James Gulbranson’s departure. Upcoming events include an informed voting session and a Senate booth at the Organization Fair.
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