Athletics, Recreation and Physical Education
Reaching for excellence on the athletic field can be the perfect complement to intellectual growth in the classroom. Wheaton athletics, whether at the intercollegiate, intramural or recreational level, offer students the opportunity to tone the spirit as well as the body, to sharpen the will to succeed and the desire to compete, to teach the value and rewards of team-work. Wheaton athletes are students who seek an education as well as opportunities to develop and mature both on the playing field and off. The college generally attracts student athletes who are looking for good competition, which the New England Men's and Women's Conference (NEWMAC) provides, who want to develop their skills and who want a challenge as well.
With a natatorium, gymnasium and field house, the Haas Athletic Center is the setting for both recreational and intercollegiate athletics. The eight-lane stretch pool provides a place for recreational swimming and diving, intramural water polo and volleyball; it is the home of Wheaton’s nationally ranked synchronized swimming team and the intercollegiate swimming and diving teams for women and men. The Emerson Gymnasium offers facilities for basketball, volleyball and badminton. The Beard Field House, home of Wheaton’s national champion track team, includes a six-lane track, five indoor tennis courts, three basketball courts, and space for long jump and batting practice. Indoor soccer and Frisbee are also played there.
In addition, the college has seven lighted outdoor tennis courts, plus a practice court; playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and softball; the Sidell Baseball Stadium; and the Clark Recreation Center for intramurals and social activities. The Papas Fitness Center, housed in the Balfour-Hood Student Center, contains Nautilus equipment, free weights and cardiovascular machines.
Wheaton competes in the NCAA Division III. Women’s teams include cross-country, basketball, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, synchronized swimming, tennis, track and field, and swimming and diving. The college fields men’s teams in baseball, cross-country, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, track and field, and swimming and diving.
Intramural activities are organized in flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball and water polo, as well as several other sports. Recreational opportunities abound, with a full schedule of classes and the availability of the fitness center and swimming pool.
Wheaton values recreational and intercollegiate athletics not only for its importance in developing lifelong practices of fitness but for the leadership skills it fosters in participants.