Meet Cal’s Goalball. Having only finished its first semester, the sport is already making national news.

“UC Berkeley is the first university in America to offer Goalball as an academic class for credit,” Matt Grigorieff, the architect behind the project, proudly tells us. “And that is fantastic.”

The class is a two-unit supplement to “American Sport, Culture and Education,” a class that fulfills the campuswide AC requirement. Each session is split into half theory and half playtime. After students discuss their readings, they engage in a rousing game at the RSF’s Blue Gym, a massive indoor court on the third floor. The game pits two teams of three against each other, and players score by throwing  balls into the opposing team’s goal.

The catch?

All players wear blindfolds.

Playing on a different team

For junior Alec Sundly, D-1 center midfielder for Cal’s men’s soccer team, maintaining leadership on his side of the court is paramount for victory. He nods at his two teammates, completely confident in their game. But this is the first time either player has ever been to the RSF (to say nothing of the fact that neither teammate has never played a sport before in his life). Sundly grins. He whispers a quick strategy, stretches his legs and then leaps into position. He can already feel the win.

The two teams wait for the command from the referee: “Eyeshades down. Quiet, please! Center! Play!”

In a rapid exchange, the bell-containing ball is tossed from one end of the court. Players duck, jump and dive into each other in an effort to protect the goal. Special tape on the floor helps the crawling players to “feel” where they are in the absence of their eyesight. If the team succeeds in blocking a score, possession changes.

Sweat glistens. Lungs expand. In the final score, Sundly’s team edges a narrow triumph of seven points to six. For a varsity Golden Bear, Sundly has a particularly even game. He scores two points! His two teammates, self-described as “athletically challenged,” divide the five. On this court, the playing field is equal.

Fitness for all

Ann Kwong is the internal president for the Disabled Students Union. Unlike Sundly, Kwong is visually impaired and travels around with a cane. Before Berkeley, athletics were the last thing on her mind.

“When I was a child, I never really understood the fascination my sighted peers had with sports,” she admits. “I didn’t feel like I was able to connect with them.”

All of this changed in the past year. Members in the Disabled Student’s Union expressed discontent with being unable to participate in sports teams. From able-bodied basketball to football, disabled students readily acknowledged the lack of athletic opportunities available to them. Then came the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program’s support in establishing Goalball — Berkeley style.

Goalball player makes a pass. Notice the eyeshades.

Grigorieff and Jessica Adams, both sighted Cal seniors, paired up to organize the discussion part of the class. Teaming with two BORP Goalball coaches, Brandon Young (nonsighted) and Jonathan Newman (sighted), the four have worked to create the most inclusive athletics class in the university’s history. With the guidance of Professor Derek Van Rheenen, the class has attracted students of all abilities.

Kwong beams, “Now, I realize sports are fun. It’s something you have to experience firsthand to understand — the feeling of belonging when you are part of the team or the sense of achievement when you are able to score a goal.” Her voice softening, she adds, “That’s something that rarely happens in reality.”

Fighting stereotypes

Grigorieff incorporates scholarly texts regarding issues within the disabled community in regular discussion. Textbook problems, he has come to realize, are alive in society today.

“A lot of times people, with visual disabilities are sort of seen by the sighted world as a totally helpless person, but that’s not true,” he argues.

Adams adds, “We learned that society tends to polarize nonsightedness. They think it’s black and white. They don’t realize that blindness is a spectrum.”

According to Professor Rod Michalko of the University of Toronto, 97 percent of people with visual impairment can still see. A person is defined as legally blind if he or she cannot recognize the biggest E on an eye chart from 20 feet away.  In this manner, not passing the test really can change a person’s life, as nonsighted individuals undergo such marginalization. One function of Goalball is to address this social stigma head-on. By including input from the entire sight spectrum, participants in the class gain thought-provoking perspectives.

“I feel like it’s the nonsighted students who are teaching the class,” Adams says. “They teach the class by the way they relate to the text.”

Sundly agrees. Input from his nonsighted classmates has challenged his preconceptions and inspired him.

“You build more respect of what (nonsighted people) have to go through on a daily basis, (and) what society is doing is being too judgmental. You learn in playing Goalball that we are all human beings and that we are always equal.”

The feeling of equality is echoed by almost everyone. Kwong says, “I feel like the No. 1 thing I appreciate is everyone is on an equal playing field. I can participate in the same activity with the same ability. Instead focusing on “the strongest” or “the fastest,” goal ball (emphasizes) skills, practice and teamwork – which is a new way to think about sports.”

Sundly’s team blocking a shot

This is not to say that Goalball is not physically demanding. Nonsighted senior Erik Elveback warns against the misconception that Goalball is “easy.” Teammates must coordinate movements through foot-tapping to prevent players from going out of bounds or wandering off the court.

“This sport is very difficult for everybody that plays because for most students, they have never used hearing as the main method of playing a sport,” Adams explains.

Winning off and on the court

Sundly translates skills from Goalball into new techniques to improve his soccer performance. As a midfielder, he lists blocking farther and throwing harder as valuable interdisciplinary lessons Goalball has taught him. Because the ball used in Goalball is heavier than a soccer ball, Sundly has benefited from weight training in a completely unexpected manner. As for foot-tapping, Sundly points out that Goalball has taught him to position himself better on the soccer field as well as give clearer communication to teammates.

Soccer skills were not the only gifts players gained from Goalball. For Young, it is the scale of bonding that has been “mind-altering.” On the last day of practice, Goalball players celebrated with cheers and heartwarming hugs.

Newman points out that the camaraderie is a sign of the game’s success.

He explains, “What I really enjoyed about this class is how much they all liked Goalball. Every single one of them.”

“It creates new friendships that students hadn’t imagined before,” Adams expresses. “I think its true for everybody in the class.”

The future

For Grigorieff, Goalball is set to thrive. His far-reaching plans aim to help everybody involved.

Matt Grigorieff, the architect behind Goalball, with a player

“Some people are not included in sports, and that’s something we at UC Berkeley want to change,” he says. “I think Berkeley can lead the way to promote inclusion. Goalball is not only a class but could be a club team for the campus. One day, (it could) turn into a varsity sport with scholarships. We want inclusion at the highest level in varsity sports.”

In the fall semester, Goalball will be available for everyone to play. Many players this semester were so touched that they have indicated they are returning to grow a community.

“I love Goalball and I want to continue assisting it — I believe in the cause,” Adams says, firmly. Then, with a laugh, she admits: “Goalball is pretty tight.”

To see Goalball in action, check out the video here.

Image sources: Eric Craypo, courtesy.

Contact Alex Mabanta at amabanta@dailycal.org.

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The bill, SB 213, is sponsored by Student Action Senator Rosemary Hua and Student Action Senator-elect Lauren Week and will help dance groups on campus find spaces to practice. Hua, a dancer herself, hopes the bill will raise awareness of the issue.

“Hopefully, with this bill we’re showing the school that there’s a huge need (for practice space),” Hua said. “Our community is suffering.”

According to Hua, there are more than 15 dance groups on campus, encompassing approximately 600 students. Primarily, these groups hold practice on Lower Sproul, in front of Haas Pavilion and in Hearst Gym.

However, scheduling time for the spaces in Hearst Gym is often complicated, said Week, and with Lower Sproul closing this year for construction, available dance spaces will be increasingly difficult to find.

“Currently, dance groups have been forced to dance in the parking structures underneath the RSF and Underhill Field, which is dirty and unsafe, especially at night when most of our groups practice,” said Week in an email. “This is why SB 213 is so crucial.”

Hua negotiated a $33,000 contract with Recreational Sports Director Michael Weinberger to open up Strawberry Canyon Recreational Area for dancers during the current school year.

Weinberger said that working with the ASUC has been a great experience and that Rec Sports would be willing to continue working with the dance community as long as the ASUC can continue to supply funding.

“We’re very much willing to continue (the contract),” Weinberger said. “We just need to cover staffing. That’s where the money is going.”

Despite the addition of Strawberry Canyon, some members of the dance community still expressed concern about finding sufficient practice spaces. Although Strawberry Canyon has been helpful in alleviating the problem of limited space, Berkeley Ballroom member Caitlyn Keith said it can be difficult and inconvenient for larger dance groups to find transportation to Strawberry Canyon, and space is still limited for all dance groups.

Hua said she hopes the bill and the agreement made with Rec Sports will foster a positive relationship between the campus and the dance community.

“I’m hoping that this bill will also show the Rec Center that we’re thankful for what’s happening,” Hua said.

SB 213 will be discussed in the senate’s external committee on Monday then voted on during Wednesday’s senate meeting.

Contact Jennie Yoon at jyoon@dailycal.org.

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Sunrise Yoga. If you’re a morning person, this class may be for you. Sunrise Yoga is offered at the RSF every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The class takes you through basic yoga positions, without emphasizing one particular part of the body, a specific breathing technique, or skill (like gaining flexibility). Unless the instructor decides to choose a concentration, this should be a general yoga class, drawing techniques from the whole of the discipline. It’s perfect for beginners, whether you’re new to yoga, or just new to exercising. If you aren’t a morning person, don’t worry. They offer this type of class later in the day too — it’s just called Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is usually considered one of the more difficult types of yoga. It is slightly faster-paced, and involves an emphasis on strengthening exercises such as lunges and the infamous yoga push-up: the chaturanga. The poses are connected, creating a continuous, smooth, flow of movement. It involves a level of vigor not present in your basic yoga class, or Yoga Stretch. We’d suggest this class to people who are fit and looking to stay that way. But if you’re a beginner and want to try it out, go for it. One of the great things about yoga is that you can adjust each movement to your own level, and still get something out of it.

Vinyasa Yoga. Vinyasa is all about the flow. Your movement should match the rhythm of your breath. And you’re sure to perform the Sun Salutation sequence in a Vinyasa class. The transition from pose to pose is meant to be carefully synchronized with your breath — this is a key tenant of Vinyasa Yoga. This is class is good for people of all levels. Just remember to keep breathing!

Yogalates. You can probably guess what this one’s about. Yup. It’s a combination between Yoga and Pilates. If you’re after those summer abs, you might want to try this one out.

Yoga Stretch. Yoga Stretch concentrates on flexibility. Because of this, the class is much more slow-paced and gentle than any of the other yoga classes offered at Berkeley. You’ll have to hold positions for a longer period of time, concentrating on getting a deep stretch. You’ll be sitting down or reclining most of the time. We think that this is a good option for beginners — learning to be a little flexible never hurts (well, except physically).

We know it can be kind of confusing to figure out the differences between the types of yoga, and even the Clog gets confused sometimes. There’s a lot of overlap! We suggest trying them all out, and choosing the one that you like best. You’ll be more relaxed, healthy, and swimsuit season ready in no time.

Contact Sabrina Werts at swerts@dailycal.org.

Image Source: AmandaD_TX, under Creative Commons

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The legendary Detroit Pistons Bad Boy of the 80s – no ladies, not that kind of bad boy – might be that old guy who has silently been raining threes from the corner all day, a fact that you conveniently overlooked because you know, he’s over 50 years old! But he didn’t come to Cal to resuscitate his professional career – although by the Bears’ showing in the Stanford game, the team definitely wouldn’t mind a lift. No, he has been attending Cal to complete his Master’s Degree in the School of Education, fulfilling the true meaning of being a student athlete, although most people tend to partake in both activities concurrently. At the beginning of last semester he was 10 units away from his degree, and despite popular opinion he has not yet enrolled in the fictional course “Front Office Management in Professional Sports.”

So why are we mentioning him now — other than the off chance that he could somehow convince Allen Crabbe to stay for one more season? He spoke at Renaissance Night, an event hosted by the African American Studies Department, on Sunday along with some guy named Jason Kidd — who was actually pretty good when he attended Cal, considering that was before his baldness kicked in. Kidd, probably the best player to ever play in the blue and gold, was in attendance at the event in Memorial Stadium with fellow New York Knicks teammate Amar’e Stoudemire — who is best known for the apostrophe that sometimes magically appears in his name as well as his uninsured back that is worth $100 million — and Thomas.

So remember this the next time you stroll through Haas Pavilion and glance at the retired #5 jersey in the rafters: don’t be so quick to challenge those old guys – they know what they’re doing pretty darn well.

Contact Uday Mehta at umehta@dailycal.org and on Twitter @mehtakid

Image source: Bradley Park (right) & spablab (left) under Creative Commons

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But sometimes it’s comforting to see an elderly couple walking through the neighborhood or a family at the park playing with their dog. For those of you who enjoy the serene stability of suburban life, Northside offers several escapes from the intensity of life at Cal. Whether you’re searching for optimal picnic territory, an intimate date spot or a gratifying new running route, we guarantee that you will love this week’s travel lineup!

The Reward(s):

If your heart leaps at the thought of a secluded paradise, breathtaking views or 250 varieties of roses, then you should make a beeline for the Berkeley Rose Garden. The garden’s rose-lined terraces provide a peaceful escape even for those who slink away from botany.

But if roses alone won’t persuade you to endure the climb up Euclid, this might: The finest slide in all of Berkeley lies across the street from the Rose Garden. Sitting on a piece of cardboard, you can get moving pretty fast on this twisted stone chute, and we’ve even met college students who get a little nervous at the top.

Finally, to make this route exceptionally badass, we’ve tacked on Indian Rock. A massive outcrop in the middle of a quiet neighborhood, these chalk-covered rocks have attracted bouldering enthusiasts since the 1950s. Overlooking tree-studded Northside and foggy San Francisco, the serene view and suburban solitude will undoubtedly draw you back here during your time at Cal. 

The Trek:

1.     Berkeley Rose Garden:

Beginning from the North Gate entrance to campus, head directly up Euclid Avenue. If you are taunted by the smell of La Val’s tantalizing pizza during the ascent, you’re on the right track! Continue up Euclid’s unforgiving grade for a little under a mile, and the garden will appear on your left. After gaping at the view for a few minutes, you’ll see a small path leading to a wooden gate on your right. The garden is open from dawn to dusk, so don’t be shy about entering if it’s unlocked. Keep an eye out for deer!

2.     Best slide of your life:

If you’ve already suffered the climb up Euclid, it would be foolish to pass up this hidden perk. From the vista overlooking the Rose Garden, cross the street, turn left and continue about 30 yards. Follow the asphalt incline that appears on your right down to a small park with benches and a playground. Look ahead for a large stone slide nestled in the hillside, and make sure to grab a slab of cardboard on your way up!

3.     Indian Rock:

While there are many routes leading to Indian Rock, we will share the most efficient path from the Berkeley Rose Garden. Continue your ascent up Euclid Avenue for about 100 yards, and then turn left onto Eunice Street. Follow this for about a quarter of a mile, turn right on Spruce Street and take slight left onto Los Angeles Avenue after another quarter-mile walk. If you arrive at a roundabout a beautiful fountain at its center, you’re almost there! Take Indian Rock Avenue (real creative, huh?) to your destination; we guarantee you won’t miss it.

Image Source: Katherine Velicki, The Daily Californian

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1. Go to the gym

If you can’t get yourself to build up your brain, build up your body. The RSF accommodates all types of people. Run off your anger at those confusing concepts, connect with your inner brilliance in a yoga class or dance away your study pains in a cardio dance or zumba class. Check out the schedule of classes, grab a friend, release some endorphins and feel the stress melt away as you put off your studies.

2. Clean your room

A clean space is a happy space! Take some time to go through your stuff, and clear out the unnecessary junk. It’s so much easier to get work done when you can find everything you need and there’s no clutter to distract you. Especially for those of us living in the units. The rooms are so small that even one thing out of place causes a clutter catastrophe.

3. Do your laundry

Do yourself and your roommate a favor. No one wants to deal with the impending doom that comes with putting off laundry. Plus, what if it smells — gross. Take a break from the work (or the pointless procrastinating) and get it done. Plus, sometimes doing laundry is like going shopping because we find clothes we forgot we had. Yay for new clothes!

4. Read the paper

The Clog knows we don’t all hate reading, we just hate all reading that comes in a very expensive reader. We totally suggest reading the paper or a magazine to continue to broaden your knowledge without actually learning anything about malaria or something equally as boring. You could also just keep reading the Clog right here — wink, wink.

During college, we learn all sorts of lessons, like how to justify any action we do — especially procrastination. And who knows?  Doing something productive may be inspiring enough to break out the books. Give it a try, we believe in you! Happy studying … or procrastinating.

Image Source: Pragmagraphr under Creative Commons

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The class started out with a simple hip swing move, to which other moves were gradually added until a whole routine was created. The moves are neither purely hip-hop nor aerobics, but are, well, not unlike something you would see at a strip club. That said, every deductive move has an ulterior motive, whether it be working the glutes, abdominals or calves. I left the class feeling energized and felt the burn for several days after.

Let me be honest: I’m not a great dancer, and being on a dance floor makes me feel like a million eyes are glued to me. But when a roomful of people is trying to mimic the instructor’s moves and keep up with the beat, no one has a chance to feel self-conscious or judgmental. Toward the middle of the hour-long class, I found myself actually enjoying it.

Instructor Catherine Kung, who graduated from UC Berkeley in 2007, said the class is meant to combine exercise with dance in a fun, non-intimidating way.

“I want people to be comfortable with their bodies and love their bodies now, not 10 pounds from now,” she said.

Kung took the class several years ago while still a student and became certified to teach it. While she’s not a professional dancer or personal trainer, Kung’s infectious energy and encouraging words make her an approachable instructor. Every class will consist of a new routine, and while the moves will not become more difficult as the semester progresses, participants can substitute in more challenging variations and add extra bits of self-expression, such as a bit of hair swinging.

The first class attracted people of all shapes and dancing abilities, such as a lady old enough to be my grandmother. Men are welcome in the class and many, such as sophomore Jeff Dea, find it fun.

“It was a good experience,” said Dea, who came with his girlfriend, Emily Li.

Although Li doesn’t recommend the class as a date activity, she said the class left her feeling “energized and very sexy.”

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But over the past few months, I have noticed an increase of people oblivious to the hidden rules. Perhaps it’s just me who sees this trend, but either way, it’s annoying and something must be done.

By the power vested in me by the Daily Californian, I have decided to spell out some of these laws on print to shed light on the offenders who unknowingly break the rules in order to prevent any more of these offenses from happening in the future.

So let’s begin:

1. Thou shalt not leave the basketball courts after calling for the next game.

After calling next, there are too many people going to lift or run on the treadmill instead of waiting beside the court. When one calls next, he or she must treat the vow with his or her life, not leaving the post at all costs. The absentee causes confusion on the courts as to who’s playing next, and the last thing anyone wants during pickup basketball is a logistical problem about who’s playing next.

2. Thou shalt bring an extra T-shirt if his shirt becomes drenched in sweat.

Basketball is a contact sport, and nobody knows wants to touch someone’s sweat. And there is nothing more grotesque than you accidentally touching the shirt, leaving with a layer of someone else’s sweat on your hands or arms. It is not hygienic and disadvantageous for the other players. So for the love of God, change your shirt.

3. Thou shalt not over-accessorize.

I saw a man at the RSF with a headband, shooting sleeves on both arms and shin-high basketball socks. Who are you, Allen Iverson? Unless you are really, really good, nobody should dress to impress on the basketball court. A simple T-shirt (a dry one!) and shorts would do just fine.

4. Thou shalt not be a ball hog.

This should be common sense, but incredibly there are people in the RSF who don’t realize basketball is a team sport and think they are the second coming of Michael Jordan. Another problem is that most of these ballhoggers are not very good at basketball, making the problem even worse. Everybody came to play some fun pickup basketball; let’s spread the wealth and share the ball — and the fun.

5. If your defender is a lady, thou shalt have some respect.

Since only a small proportion of the basketball players are female, it is rather uncommon to play against a lady. Unfortunately, some people like to take advantage, powering down the lane past the often smaller defenders for easy layups. Come on guys, let’s stay classy when on the court with a lady.

6. Thou shalt not be pushy to your stranger teammates.

“You double-team, you double-team!” “You, get in the paint!”

Is that necessary? Especially to someone you just met five minutes ago? We want to have fun, not have someone tell us how to play the game. I understand that you want to win, but dude, take a chill pill and communicate to your fellow teammates in a nondictatorial way.

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