BY AKIKO NAKAGAWA

There are now 37 clubs in the Sapporo University Sports Association. The baseball club and the men's basketball club are probably the most conspicuous of the clubs. But there are clubs besides them that are practicing hard for victory. At the end of last year I joined the women's volleyball club by chance. One of my classmates asked me to join even if only as the team caretaker because there are not many members in her club.

Sapporo University has had a women's volleyball club since its foundation. They have a lot of achievements in the past. They won the Hokkaido area league championship seven times, the Ohtakihai Hokkaido College Spring-Time league championship five times, and the Hokkaido College Championship tournament four times.

The women's volleyball club is now active with only four players and one team caretaker (all freshmen). The team manager seldom shows up because she has a full-time job. Last November four seniors and two junior college students retired, decreasing the members from ten to four in an instant. I joined the club as the caretaker, but I cannot take part in any games as a player. In everyday practice they are never free from inconveniences. For example, they cannot play a practice match between two groups. But they are spending the Spring holiday practicing for the Spring-Time league games that will be held on successive holidays in May. They hate to practice with a half-hearted attitude, and when there are not enough members to play they move to the training room to build up their strength. It has been decided that three new members will enter Sapporo University with Sports recommendations and one other freshmen will join the club this spring.

To their regret, their rank is dropping because of the present situation. Last year they finished third in the Spring-time league and they were defeated in the first round at the Hokkaido College Championship Tournament. But they have a positive attitude and say that they want to win next year, making use of their frustration. Their goal is to be in the top 16 at the inter-college competition. They say that even though there are few members they enjoy their student life playing their favorite sport. I am envious of their positive attitude, and I hope to enjoy volleyball as the team caretaker from now on.

Now the women's volleyball club is looking for new members very hard. You don't need experience. Even though it has been decided that four freshmen will join, it won't be enough. Anybody will be welcome if you like volleyball. Please come to the gymnasium and see us in practice once.