Columbus Monthly / November 2010 / The indoor sports guide

 Email  Print

The indoor sports guide

With winter arriving in Columbus, you may think you have a good excuse to sit on your butt and shove Twinkies down your gullet. Sorry, not anymore. There are plenty of indoor sports leagues available, from basketball to badminton.

When Michael Beekhuizen decided in 2001 he wanted to play hockey, he knew he had to learn how to skate. So, at age 32, he signed up for an adult beginner’s class. But after it was canceled due to lack of interest, he was told the only spot left was in a session for 3- and 4-year-olds. Undeterred, the 6-foot Columbus attorney spent eight weeks alongside his pint-sized classmates, while parents, toting camcorders, watched from the stands. “It was comedy,” says Beekhuizen’s wife, Sam Shuler.

Just like the young tots, Beekhuizen’s skills would be graded each week. “Either his teacher had a sense of humor or he was a stickler for rules,” Shuler says with a laugh. “Michael would get an “S” for Still Working On or an “A” for Accomplished and gold stars if he did really well.” Though she didn’t take her husband out for ice cream every time he came home with gold stars, the weekly reports were displayed where the best work always goes: on the fridge.

Beekhuizen achieved his goal. He graduated from his class, joined a hockey league and loved it. Now, if he were starting today—nearly a decade later—he would have a much wider range of 18 and older classes to select from. The Blue Jackets have a lot to do with this change, but there is something else going on here, too, reflected not just in hockey, but other team sports. Games aren’t just for kids anymore; adults also want to play.

They are running, jumping, sprinting, throwing, shooting and spiking deep into their 40s and beyond. Even when juggling the demands of family life, they’re finding ways to hang on to their playing time. Bettina Schroeder, a soccer player since age 6, often brings her toddler along to her indoor games. “There’s a small area by the sideline where all the kids can hang out and play together,” the 31-year-old explains.

Meanwhile, Mike Bishop has his son to thank for introducing him to his sport. When his then-12-year-old joined a school lacrosse team, Bishop—who was in decent shape, but had never picked up a lacrosse stick—was tapped to play in an annual “Dad’s Game.” That was five years ago. Bishop, 51, has been playing lacrosse ever since. He is part of a group that calls itself the Old Dogs. Of the 60 or so members, at least one-third are older than 50, and only a few are younger than 40. “We call them the kids,” he says.

Bishop credits lacrosse with keeping him in good shape—it is not just the rigors of the game itself, he says, but he also pushes a little harder on nongame day runs and workouts. Yet, Howard Wood, a basketball player for more than 30 years, is well aware of how his game has changed from the early days of “running and jumping like a deer” to his “savvy” years to today’s reality where “the goal is to get exercise without getting hurt.” Yet, Wood, in his late 40s and with two small children, is not about to stop. He’s still out on the court three or four times a week.

The Old Dogs, according to Bishop, grow their numbers every year. Likewise, most of the indoor soccer facilities are experiencing greater demand for adult leagues—to the point that there almost aren’t enough hours to accommodate the need. By any measure, ice hockey is “exploding,” says P.R. Casey, chief legal counsel at the Ohio Department of Education. Over the 10 years he has played in Columbus, adult leagues have grown in competitiveness and in size—new divisions have been added, and now there are even divisions within divisions: “You’re not just Division C anymore, but High C, Mid C or Low C,” he explains.

Tracking just who plays what sport is not an easy task, but statistics from one trade group, the National Sporting Goods Association, seem to support the idea that adults are staying in the game longer. While overall participation in basketball has declined and the number playing soccer has remained flat across the last decade, in both sports those players ages 35 to 54 actually has increased.

In the Midwest, athletic adults don’t let the cold and dark get between them and their game. They take it indoors. In the winter, however, some sports are easier to find than others. Men have ample opportunities to play basketball, women less so. Yet, in coed sports, teams often are on the lookout for female players.

In general, adults can expect to play at night, sometimes past the bedtimes for most folks. For most all sports, sign up is many weeks before the start of play, so it is imperative to check websites early for registration rules and deadlines.

If you are looking for a game of jai alai or competitive four-square, you are simply out of luck. Yet, there is always the option of organizing your own league. Almost all the commercial facilities mentioned here rent fields based on availability, and some schools and churches also will make their gyms available (for a fee) for nighttime and weekend use. Athletes looking for sports or other players can check out opportunities at columbus.sportsvite.com and columbus.craigslist.org.

Whether you are a former college player looking to get back into your sport or a beginner ready to jump in, you don’t have to wait for a warm day to chase after that ball, puck or flying disc to participate in a team sport. Here’s a rundown of some of the winter sporting opportunities in the area.

(Note: “Open” leagues are for people 18 and older.)

Indoor soccer

Because players join teams and teams join leagues, the first step to playing indoor soccer is finding (or organizing) a team. “But there are always teams looking for players,” says Mark Bremer, assistant manager at All-Stars Family Sports. He suggests interested players come in and watch, then approach the squad that seems like a good fit. “If that team doesn’t have a spot, they may know of another team—it usually works out,” he says. Many facilities also have a bulletin board where teams and players can connect, while Soccer First has online classifieds (see right for website).

In general, adults should expect to play at night—games can start as early as 6 pm and as late as 11 pm—and in some cases, on Sunday. Aside from SuperKick, which caters to a competitive level of play, beginning players will feel welcome.

Choosing where to play typically comes down to location, though some players will have a turf preference. The newer rubberized surface—everywhere but Soccer First—is said to be gentler on the joints, although some prefer the “consistency” of the traditional artificial field.

For those interested in on-site post-game beer and grub, except for SuperKick, all facilities offer some kind of concessions. All-Stars Family Sports is the most decked out—offering a cafe with a full menu and a pub televising sports in HD.

All-Stars Family Sports

6124 Busch Blvd., 431-8881, allstarsfsec.com

Leagues: Men: Open (divisions A through C), 30 and older (divisions B and C). Coed: Open and 30 and older (divisions A through C), Fun (no experience required). Cost: $825 per team. Sessions: Nine to 10 weeks each for fall and winter, Monday through Friday.

Soccer First

6490 Dublin Park Dr., Dublin, 793-0101, soccerfirst.org

Leagues: Men: Open (divisions 1 through 4), 30 and older, 40 and older. Women: Open, 25 and older, 40 and older. Coed: Open, 30 and older, 40 and older. Cost: $650 to $825 per team. Sessions: Nine games each for fall and winter; coed pickup Monday and Thursday 11:30 am to 1 pm ($5 fee).

Sports Barn

3599 Chiller Ln., 337-8000, thesportsbarn.net

Leagues: Coed: Open, 30 and older, 40 and older. Men: Open, 30 and older. Women: Open, 40 and older. All are divisions A through D. Cost: $600 to $775 per team (teams pay an additional $5 to $8 referee fee per game). Sessions: Nine games each for fall and winter, weeknights, Saturday and Sunday. Build-A-Player Program: Adult classes Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, six sessions for $75; focused on fitness and some soccer skills.

SuperKick

409 Orangepoint Dr., Lewis Center, (740) 657-8888, superkickcolumbus.com

Leagues: Men: Open, 30 and older, 40 and older. Women: Open and 35 and older. Coed: Open, 35 and older. (All are competitive.) Cost: $800 to $900 per team. Sessions: 10 weeks apiece for fall and winter, Sunday through Friday.

Basketball

With a number of open gym times and leagues, it may be possible to play basketball every day in the winter—at least, if you are a guy or don’t mind playing ball with them.

Nearly every Columbus recreation center offers free open adult basketball (Howard is the only to offer women’s), as do some suburban community centers, such as those in Hilliard, Gahanna and Grandview. Upper Arlington has both drop-in ($4 per game) and pre-registered ($60 to $66) open men’s basketball at various school gyms (call 583-5302).

For city leagues, sign up is as a team, though sports directors will sometimes place players (nonresidents may be required to pay a small additional fee).

City and selected urban leagues

(See “Contact info” on page 58 for phone numbers and websites)

Bexley: Men 28 and older and 35 and older. Winter session runs November through February. $400 per team.

Columbus: Men and Women, seven weeks each during fall and winter sessions. $330 per team.

Dublin: Men: Open (divisions A through C) and 35 and older. Ten games during winter session. $375 to $412 per team.

Westerville: Men. Approximately 10 weeks each during fall and winter sessions. $560 per team.

Worthington: Men: Open and 30 and older. Eight games during the winter session. $385 per team.

Other leagues

YMCA (multiple locations, ymcacolumbus.org): Men: Open and 30 and older. Eight weeks each during the fall and winter sessions. $200 to $350 per team (nonmembers pay a $30 registration fee).

Field Sports (6400 Dublin Park Dr., 791-7849, fieldsports.org): Men: Competitive, Recreational, 30 and older. Eight weeks each during the fall and winter sessions. $395 per team.

Jewish Community Center (1125 College Ave., 231-2731, columbusjcc.org): Men: Open, 28 and older, 35 and older, 38 and older. Eight games each during fall and winter sessions. $350 to $450 per team or $25 to $79 per player (early bird discounts).

Hockey

For amateur hockey, all roads lead to the Chiller. While the Ohio State University ice rink offers skating and hockey lessons to the public, options for adults are few.

The Chiller has multiple divisions within its numerous leagues (it also has a “women’s learn to play” class, plenty of hockey lessons and learn-to-skate classes. There is a separate women’s league, and though open leagues are mostly men, you can find a few female faces behind those masks. No matter at which Chiller you sign up, a game may be scheduled at any location. While individuals can sign up directly with the Chiller, there is no team placement guarantee.

All the adult leagues are “no-check,” and there’s both a five-game suspension and a fine for fighting. Longtime player P.R. Casey says he hasn’t seen a fight in three years or so: “They’ve done everything to convince people it is a dumb thing to do.” Equipment, including skates, may set you back a few hundred dollars. While helmets are required, facemasks are optional, but Casey always plays with a full cage. “I like my teeth,” he says. The Chiller also offers various adult drop-in and weekend fun games, as well as Stick & Puck skill-development sessions.

The Chiller

Locations: Chiller Dublin, 7001 Dublin Park Dr., 764-1000; Chiller Easton, 3600 Chiller Ln., 475-7575; Chiller North, 8144 Highfield Dr., Lewis Center, (740) 549-0009; Chiller Ice Works, 401 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, 433-9600; Dispatch Ice Haus, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., 246-3380.

Leagues: Men: Open (divisions A through E). Women. Cost: $2,800 to $2,900 per team or $220 per player (all players also must join USA Hockey at $30 per year). Sessions: 12 games. Adult drop-in and Adult Stick & Puck: Every day, various times; $12 per person. Lessons: Various group and private, with free skate rental.

A few other sports

Lacrosse: For the winter, the option for adults is limited to an informal pickup game that is, for the most part, men only. To find out about the games (usually Sunday at All-Stars Family Sports), go to olddogslacrosse.com.

Curling: The Columbus Curling Club (2999 Silver Dr.) is the place for all things curling in the city. The nonprofit organization offers leagues and lessons. In fact, new players must participate in a learn-to-curl clinic before moving on to an instructional league and then more advanced leagues from there. The two-hour clinics cost $20 and are offered until early April. Contact the club for information at columbuscurling.com.

Volleyball

As with basketball, open volleyball can be found (free) at many Columbus city recreation centers, as well as at other suburban community centers (for a small fee), such as those in Grandview, Gahanna and Hilliard. Upper Arlington’s open “power volleyball” ($2 to $3 per game) is played at school gyms (call 583-5302).

Unlike basketball, though, most volleyball games are coed. League sign up is by team, and levels are divided by skill, each with specific rules regarding spiking. For most city and suburban leagues, nonresidents typically pay an added fee.

City leagues

(See “Contact info” on page 58 for phone numbers and websites)

Bexley: Mixed (fall) and Women (winter). Three-month sessions. $240 per team.

Columbus: Women, Men and Mixed. Seven weeks each for fall and winter sessions. $205 per team.

Dublin: Mixed (divisions A through C). 10 games during the fall session. $210 per team.

Grove City: Mixed. Twelve weeks during winter session. $265 per team.

Hilliard: Women, Men and Mixed. Ten weeks during fall session. $200 to $231 per team.

Westerville: Mixed Competitive and Mixed Recreational. Seven weeks each for fall and winter sessions. $245 to $305 per team.

Worthington: Mixed. Twelve games during fall session. $220 per team.

Other leagues

YMCA (multiple locations, ymcacolumbus.org): Mixed. Seven weeks each during fall and winter sessions. $150 per team (nonmembers pay a $30 registration fee).

Field Sports (6400 Dublin Park Dr., 791-7848, fieldsports.org): Coed Competitive and Coed Recreational. Eight-week sessions year-round. $295 per team.

Capital City Sports (multiple locations, 921-0188, capitalcitysports.com): Coed and Men. Seven or eight weeks each during fall and winter sessions. $260 to $365 per team.

Badminton

Some may think badminton is a leisurely game, good for Sunday picnics. On the contrary, playing badminton can be intense and competitive. Serious players—or anyone interested in becoming one—should get in touch with the Buckeye Badminton Club (osubadminton.org.ohio-state.edu). Though it is affiliated with Ohio State University, folks who aren’t can become “honorary members.”

Two Columbus recreation centers—Carriage Place and Far East—offer adult open badminton (play is typically two on two). For league play, sign up, unlike many of the other sports, is done as an individual player rather than as a team.

City leagues

(See “Contact info” on page 58 for phone numbers and websites)

Dublin: Mixed, Men and Women (divisions A through C). Twelve weeks each during fall and winter sessions. Residents $72 to $84, nonresidents $82 to $94.

Woodward Park Recreation Center (5147 Karl Rd., 645-3158): Coed. Ten weeks each for fall and winter sessions. Free, plus $20 materials fee.

Worthington: Coed. Ten-week sessions year-round. Residents $65, nonresidents $84.50.

Other ways to play

Sports Monster: This social sporting group organizes a variety of leagues, lessons and events. Current offerings vary with the season and the sport’s popularity. Sports Monster is about playing, but it is also about meeting people. Games often are followed by some sort of social hour. Costs vary. Contact: 443-0190, sportsmonster.net.

Columbus Ski Club: This club, which is about much more than skiing, runs various leagues and also plans social outings and out-of-town trips. Contact: columbusskiclub.org.

Grown Up Social League at Field Sports: For those who want to play a bit of everything, this group mixes dodgeball, volleyball, kickball and a “super secret” sport in a fun and social atmosphere. A bonus: Separate activities are available for kids, so parents can bring them along. The league, costing $490 for a team of 10, runs for seven weeks. Contact: 791-7849, fieldsports.org.

Kickball, flag football and arena softball

When brought inside, these sports get slightly modified. For instance, in arena softball, the ball can be played off the wall, the roof and the netting; on turf, sliding is a whole different ballgame, so to speak. Field Sports in Dublin is the place for regular organized indoor play for these three sports, although, most winters, Sports Monster (443-0190, sportsmonster.net) will organize flag football and kickball leagues. Check its website for announcements.

Field Sports (6400 Dublin Park Dr., Dublin, 791-7849, fieldsports.org): Arena softball: Men and Coed. Twelve games over six weeks during fall session. $575 per team. Indoor kickball: Coed. Six weeks each for fall and winter sessions. $295 per team. Flag football: Men: Competitive, Recreational, 30 and older. Coed. Seven weeks during winter session. $750 per team.

Dodgeball

Not just for kids anymore, adult dodgeball can be played year-round at Field Sports in Dublin. Social sporting groups such as Sports Monster (443-0190, sportsmonster.net) occasionally will throw together a league as well. Games will crop up here and there as a charity event or corporate activity. Though nothing is currently scheduled, the YMCA has in the past offered an adult league. The game is easy to learn if you remember the five Ds, according to Patches O’Houlihan in Dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.

Field Sports (6400 Dublin Park Dr., 791-7849, fieldsports.org): Open, Coed and Corporate Challenge. Five or six weeks of year-round sessions. $345 per team.

Ultimate Frisbee

This intense field sport involves cutting, sprinting and jumping, but also the discs are lofted at great heights across long distances (known as a “huck”). It would not seem an easy sport to put a roof over, but apparently it’s been done. Played for three months beginning in January, the indoor mixed league, according to its commissioner, Natalie Fancher, is competitive. “That being said, we have beginners every year,” she says. “I think beginners just need to be prepared for a competitive environment.”

Columbus Ultimate Disc Association Winter League at SuperKick (409 Orangepoint Dr., Lewis Center, (740) 657-8888, superkickcolumbus.com; contact and sign up at columbusultimate.com): Mixed. January through March. $75 per player.

And then there's tennis

Here’s a list of indoor tennis facilities (prices are for annual memberships for one adult, unless otherwise noted). Women players will find many doubles leagues to choose from, while singles are harder to find. Men will find both. Most facilities also offer mixed doubles. Per hour fees (per court) run in the mid $30 range, with early bird and multiuse discounts. The indoor season typically runs until mid or late May.

Elysium Tennis Club, 7637 C Commerce Pl., Plain City, 873-8749, elysiumtennis.com, $300 (initiation fee of $275, sometimes reduced to $100).

New Albany Tennis Center, 5600 Thompson Rd., New Albany, 855-6230, newalbanytennis.com, $96.07 (New Albany resident), $192.14 (nonresident).

Olympic Indoor Tennis Club, 3480 Indianola Ave., 267-1213, olympicindoor.com, $205.

Players’ Club, 3333 Mill Meadow Dr., Hilliard, 529-0030, tpctennis.com, $240.19.

The Racquet Club, 1100 Bethel Rd., 457-5671, racquetclub1.com, $249 (lesson only, $149).

Scarborough East Tennis & Fitness Club, 5641 Alshire Rd., 868-5683, setennisclub.net, $199 (includes fitness center).

Wedgewood Golf & Country Club, 9600 Wedgewood Blvd., Powell, 793-2580, wedgewoodgolfcc.com, $75 if you belong to the country club and $150 if you don’t.

Wickertree Tennis & Fitness Club, 5760 Maple Canyon Ave., 882-5724, wickertree.com, $33 per month.