The University of Guelph offers students an excellent opportunity to combine academic pursuits with an athletics program of their choice. A quality athletics program is available to complement any student's leisure hours.

For skilled and competitive student athletes, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, men's and women's intercollegiate programs are offered. The men's and women's teams compete in 17 team and individual sports at the provincial (OUA - Ontario University Athletics) and/or national levels (CIS - Canadian Interuniversity Sport). Prospective Intercollegiate athletes are urged to contact the coach by writing, phoning or emailing our Intercollegiate Office as soon as possible. Many teams require on- and off-season conditioning and training. For a full list of the intercollegiate sports offered, browse "Varsity Sport" on our web site at http://www.gryphons.ca.

The Department of Athletics offers a multitude of on-campus recreational opportunities to all members of the University community. These on campus programs cover four general areas: intramurals, interest classes, sports groups and clubs and recreational activities. They are geared to all levels of skill and interest. All on-campus programs begin early each semester. Students should consult the "RecreAction" brochure, or the Department of Athletics website for detailed information.

Intramural sports involve more than 6,000 people at various levels of competition. The intramural programs encourage groups of students: men, women and co-ed to "get together" in an enjoyable "competitive" or "fun" setting at their own skill level. Soccer, ultimate frisbee, hockey, volleyball and basketball are very popular while the newest addition is badminton. Several one-day tournament activities are also offered. For a full list of sports, click on "Intramurals" on the athletics website.

More than forty different activities are offered in the interest class framework. Most of these programs are introductory in nature, providing participants with a foundation to continue these activities in future years. They range from CPR, dance, martial arts and aquatics to other various sports activities. In addition, there are a multitude of fitness programs that include both land and water classes operating throughout the day. For more information, consult the "Fitness and Recreation" section of our website.

Sports Groups and Clubs provide another format for students to share their interest and enthusiasm through activity. The level and intensity of the activity will be determined by the demonstrated interest. Anyone interested in pushing themselves to new limits should definitely look into the Climbing Club. For a full list of sports groups or clubs, visit "Clubs" on our website.

The University of Guelph has a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities to service our varied, broad-based athletic programs. We have a stadium, lighted soccer, rugby, fastball and multi-purpose fields, four ball diamonds and four additional multi-purpose fields, The W.F. Mitchell Building has three gymnasiums, two pools, five squash courts, three dance/multi-purpose rooms, a weight room, circuit room, cardio theatre, combatives room and two climbing walls. The Gryphon Centre houses a twin pad arena and our Gryphon Dome has a 200 m running track and (163' by 116') indoor turf field. For facility hours of operation, click on the "Facilities" section of our website.

The Department of Athletics also offers employment opportunities to students in a variety of capacities including lifeguards, fitness and lifestyle instructors, intramural referees, interest class instructors, event management staff, weight and circuit room staff, client service centre staff, camp staff as well as many other areas within athletics. Browse the "Facility" and "Fitness and Recreation" pages on our website to see a list of employment opportunities in Athletics.