<p>I’ve heard (and was surprised) that Bowdoin actually has a large sports presence. While I’m not a big sports guy, I’m certainly not really repulsed by it or anything. I’m just curious how much of an impact sports have on the social life at Bowdoin. Does it go beyond just having a lot of school spirit and cheering your team on? Are the jocks stereotypical? Are the athletes in any way separate or differentiated from non-athletes?</p>
<p>Bowdoin fields the same number of NCAA Div III teams as other NESCAC schools. Being one of the smaller schools in the conference, the percentage of students who play intercollegiate sports is therefore higher than at some of its peers.</p>
<p>I would agree and say that most school spirit in sports is directed towards the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, especially with our rivalry against Colby, but there are plenty of talented sports team that are competitive nationally in Division III. Jocks are not stereotypical, but I would say that there are social tendencies for teams to eat together, party together, etc, but that does not take anything away from the social scene at the college. Athletes are not differentiated from non-athletes, but you can typically tell who the athletes are (i.e. wearing the Bowdoin Football shirts, body type, etc.).</p>
<p>If one has to characterize or stereotype those who play sports at Bowdoin I would lean towards saying they are typical of NESCAC athletes, which is to say smart, social, and with interests and friendships that go well beyond their respective sport. The school emphases academics first and attracts a student body who appreciates what that experience provides. I also think they attract those who would rather participate in life rather than spectate…well except for Bowdoin/Colby hockey games!</p>
<p>I would also say that certain teams are more cliquish than others. There were three varsity athletes on four different teams who lived on my freshman floor, which was pretty tight (especially first semester), and it didn’t take away from our relationships with those people. We had fun going out to their games sometimes, but for the most part, our friendships didn’t revolve around sports at all. There are people that you might label as “stereotypical jocks,” like at any school, but they’re not an overwhelming presence. Most people at Bowdoin are involved in many different activities – although sports are very popular, they’re basically just another activity, and you might be surprised at some of the other things that the “jocks” do outside of sports (there is even a growing “Green Athletes” group that works on lessening the environmental impact of Bowdoin athletics).</p>
<p>tl;dr: I am also not a big sports person, and it definitely has not been an issue.</p>
<p>[edit] and morandi is totally right about the Bowdoin/Colby games ;)</p>