New era in 'Berg Athletics: Trio of Club Sports coming in 2025-26

As construction on the Heidelberg University's Fieldhouse continues to roll on schedule, the Office of Athletics has unveiled a new club sports program to coincide with the building's opening in the fall. Athletic Director Greg Cooper announced on Wednesday the addition of club women's flag football, walleye fishing, and pickleball.  

The $27.4 million facility is a fully donor-funded project. The 110,000-square foot building, tucked along the banks of Rock Creek, represents an opportunity for growth, physically and symbolically, in recreational and athletic competition.

"We're at a crossroads, and I want to bring a forward-thinking, creative approach to the Fieldhouse," said Cooper. "These three teams will provide new, unique ways for Heidelberg students to participate."

The club sports will be governed much like any officially recognized campus organization, with student leadership in place to manage most of the day-to-day operations. The Office of Athletics will provide guidance and will coordinate facility usage and transportation as well as some financial support.

Women's flag football, slated to begin club competition as early as Spring 2026, is growing in popularity at the high school and college level. In 2025, more than 65 colleges across the country supported women's flag football teams, either at the varsity or club level. There are currently 72 high school teams competing in Ohio alone. Heidelberg is evaluating whether women's flag football could be elevated to varsity status in the spring of 2027 if enough interest is shown. Heidelberg has already been approached by potential sponsors to help support this program's growth throughout the country.

To facilitate the early stages of organizational development, Head Women's Soccer Coach Maddie McLaughlin has agreed to assist the women's flag football team.  

"I'm excited for this new challenge," said McLaughlin. "There is a lot of energy among current students for women's flag football, and I look forward to meeting with prospective students, too."

Head Wrestling Coach Tony Patrizi and Director of Athletic Training and Health Science Ryan Musgrave are co-advisors of the walleye fishing team. Avid fishermen, Patrizi and Musgrave have spent hours fishing together on Lake Erie and rivers in Northwest Ohio.

"We approached Greg with this idea, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to see it come to fruition," said Patrizi. "Our goal is to enter a Lake Erie walleye tournament this October."

Marketed as the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball -- the tennis derivative -- is very popular among students and staff, alike. So much so, that Cooper made sure the Fieldhouse was well-equipped.

"We'll have six lined pickleball courts in the Fieldhouse as well as four outdoor courts," said Cooper. "Facilitating a club pickleball team is a great way to capitalize on the game's popularity."

Club sports fall below varsity sports, but above intramural sports on a theoretical hierarchy of collegiate athletics. The time commitment necessary to participate in club sports is less than that of a varsity program -- a fact that appeals to a lot of students.

"Being a varsity athlete is a massive commitment and puts a great deal of strain on individuals who choose to participate. For many students, club sports offer the perfect blend of freedom and competition," said Cooper. "These three club teams, if done correctly, could be the first of many club teams the university sponsors."

Questions about women's flag football should be directed to McLaughlin and questions about walleye fishing can be sent to Patrizi or Musgrave. Until an advisor for pickleball is chosen, questions can be sent to Cooper.