Argonaut Online Sports&Rec

TUES 18 NOV 2003

Ski club raises money, fosters conversation

By Nate Poppino
Argonaut Staff

Second-year law student Dale Roller was stumped regarding how he was going to clean out his apartment — until he heard the UI Ski Club was sponsoring a ski swap.

“I’ve got far too much stuff in my apartment,” Roller said at his booth at the swap. “So far I’ve only sold $15 worth.”

The swap, which is run jointly with the Ski Club and Outdoor Program, took place last Thursday at the Student Rec Center. It helped the ski club raise about $300 for their activities this winter. The money helps pay for van rentals, places to stay, camp fees and other charges they encounter.

For a table charge of $2 per student and $25 for a business, people interested in cleaning out their ski equipment could hawk it at the packed MAC court in the Rec Center. Twelve shops and 30 students filled the room with gear waiting to be sold.

The Ski Club has run the swap annually for several years.

“Last year we counted 1,000 people who came in,” Ski Club co-president Katie Haese said.

Students weren’t the only ones cleaning out their closets.

“I come here every year,” HyperSpud Sports owner John Crock said. “I sell the stuff that’s been sitting around the store for a while to get rid of it.”

Crock said 90 percent of sales for his store usually come from college students.

Ski Club advisor Jerry McMurtry thought the swap provided more than just a chance to buy equipment.

“It’s a chance for the kids to get out and talk about skis and stuff,” McMurtry said. “They’ve been real helpful to people who come in since the ski team is well-educated about the equipment and can give advice about it.”

McMurtry wasn’t the only one who was impressed by the advice shared throughout the swap.

“All the different booths and businesses there were doing a really good job of getting people involved with the sport,” freshman Marcy Smaha said. “People came to explore and to be informed.”

As the swap continued on, Roller stood at his table ushering people closer for a better look. His goal?

“I hope to sell half of it,” he said.

Sports Editor: Nathan Jerke Webmistress: Amanda J Hundt
UI Argonaut, 301 Student Union, Moscow, Idaho 83843 208.885.7845

THURSDAY

UI volleyball vs. Cal State Northridge, Memorial Gym, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY

UI women’s basketball vs. Portland State, Memorial Gym, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

UI football vs. Utah State, Kibbie Dome, 2 p.m.; UI volleyball vs. Pacific, Memorial Gym, 7 p.m.

NOV. 26

UI men’s basketball vs. Idaho State, Kibbie Dome, 7 p.m.

Note: Intramurals — Entries for team sports will open one week before entry deadline. For more information, call the Campus Recreation Office at 885-6381. Outdoor Program — For more information, call the office at 885-6810.

Sports calendar items must be submitted in writing or e-mailed to arg_sports@sub.uidaho.edu by Sunday or Wednesday before publication. Items must include a date, deadline or some other kind of time element.