With more than 900 clubs and organizations here at University Park, 80 of which are club sports, tour guides really aren’t kidding when they say there’s literally something for everyone. From croquet, to Kan Jam, to Ultimate Frisbee, you could be a sports fanatic or just a mediocre tailgate enthusiast and you’ll still find your niche. Well, if you used to run shit in the recess yard, Penn State’s Club Kickball is the choice for you.

Club Kickball was started by Marc Hollman, Matt Chang, and Eli Bress when they began planning the structure of the club during their freshman year in 2011. Bress was the first president, but, according to Hollman, he had to resign when his school work became too time-consuming. Since then, Hollman has stepped up as the president.

The club is currently made up of 71 members, most of which are underclassmen.

“One of our club’s primary objectives is to facilitate meeting people that any given person would have not met otherwise, and as an underclassman, there is no better way to do so than to involve yourself in groups such as Kickball,” Hollman said.

One of the best parts of the club, according to Hollman, is that you really don’t have to be kickball savant to play.

“Some players kick two home runs per game; some players are lucky to get on base,” Hollman said. “There is a quick but apparent learning curve that is a lot of fun to develop, and there has not been an ounce of judgment between players.”

Penn State’s Club Kickball team has received offers from clubs from around the country to compete in kickball. However, as a newer club, the team can’t currently afford to travel to far away schools.

Hollman with Vice President Matthew Chang

“College is all about having fun and meeting new people while maintaining commitments to class. That was the foundation and framework to Kickball’s purpose, and I feel like it’s done a great job accomplishing our initial goals,” Hollman said. “We have monthly meetings discussing fundraising, organizing off-season activities, bouncing around group outings, and THON, all catered by State College’s finest Canyon Pizza.”

May it be known that any club that offers free pizza is good in my book.

Practices are held Monday and Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. at Bigler Field. When asked for his best sales pitch, Hollman said, “Club Kickball is an organization made by students, for students, where you can come out and have a blast reliving your childhood kickball glory days, meet a new large group of people you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, and contribute to THON. Free of any obligation, and completely on your own terms, for only $15 a year.” And don’t forget the pizza!