Have you ever wanted to try something different? To stray away from the status quo, and break free from the norm? That’s exactly what the founding members of Club Croquet, Penn State’s own unique croquet team, intended to do when they started the group — “Club Croq” for short — in 2008. Fast forward seven years, and the club finally played its first ever competitive match this Sunday against the Naval Academy. The match was held on the IM fields in what was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the pure love of sport and competition. Let’s take a minute to acquaint ourselves with one of Penn State’s most unique club sports teams.

Though the club has just played its first match, it has played a significant role in contributing to THON, raising over $180,000 since 2011. Club Croquet was fortunate enough to receive a THON family of its own in the Fall of 2012. Nick is a 13 year old who’s in remission from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Nick is quite the athlete, and is a great Croquet player himself. The team’s THON involvement is extensive, and the group symbolizes what it means to come together for something for the sole purpose of enjoyment.

I was able to speak with Club Croquet’s social and event’s chair Ben Makdad, a sophomore at Penn State.

“I think it’s awesome because we’re finally having a match against one of the most prestigious schools in the country,” said Makdad. “This has been a year in the making, between numerous emails, working out dates, etc. The Navy guys have been very cooperative, and were equally excited to make the trip to Penn State. We’re just excited to finally play competitively.”

Makdad touched on how excited the club’s founders are over its growth and success, along with what he believes the future holds in store for the club.

“Seeing that we are the only reigning Big Ten Champion, because no there schools can really field a team and compete, our biggest problem has been finding teams that can play,” he said. “Navy is going to help us with getting involved with the National Tournament that is held every year, and we can even look to going there next year. Our ideal situation would be to have other schools field teams within the conference.”

Makdad also discussed the club’s THON involvement.

“THON is kind of our stitch is that we’re a club sport that’s very involved,” Makdad said. “Our family might be coming up this weekend for the match, which would be awesome. We have so many guys and girls that are involved in THON outside of Croq, and it’s great when we all get together and see how we impact not just in Croquet, but in general.”

Match Highlights

We followed along at the IM fields for Club Croquet’s historic first match.

We’re here live at the IM fields as Penn State club croquet takes on Navy. It’s sure to get heated between the bitter rivals.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 12, 2015

Some action shots from today’s contest. pic.twitter.com/TFMzl6dp7D

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 12, 2015

Teams talking over an encroaching violation. Even the best can benefit from teaching moments. pic.twitter.com/4O8WGySPRQ — Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 12, 2015

Makdad, Roig, Darr, and Ellington step up for the final match of the day. What time to be alive folks.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 12, 2015

Penn State and Navy joining together in the name of sport and competition. #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/IcSn8dcIVS — Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 12, 2015