21 December 2009 Sports and Recreation at McMurdo Station

During the summer months, of which we are in the middle of right now, the population at McMurdo Station climbs above 1000 people. Not everyone on the station is involved directly with a science expedition. From what I understand, for every scientist there are 5 people working at the Station in support positions. If it was not for these wonderful people the Polar researchers could not throw themselves so wholeheartedly into their research. There are carpenters, cooks, engineers, weathermen, firefighters, doctors and nurses, shuttle drivers, helicopter and airplane pilots, and so on. This is a town and it takes many people to keep it running so smoothly. The people who work on Station typically work hours similar to folks up in the States, 8-9 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. In their down time, the more creative ones find way to express their imagination through art and evidence of their efforts are found all over town. I recently took a walk around town to find some of the sometimes hidden and always well-placed art.

Playing sports is another thing people do in their non-work hours around here. The list of sports is long and varied- soccer, basketball, rock climbing on the rock wall, yoga, country-line dancing (is this a sport?), softball, cross country skiing, running, hiking, and on, and on. I finally got a chance to get out and join a team practice for one of my favorite sports yesterday- rugby! The Mt. Terror Rugby Club meets for practice every Sunday on an ice field near McMurdo Station. Recently, the ice field had to move because it was getting too slushy to safely play on, the new field is on ice, which is deeper and remains solid all year long. I played rugby for a year in college, but that was a long time ago and it took me a while to get back in the swing of things during practice. The co-ed team was very patient and encouraging of me while I stumbled all over the ice trying to catch and pass the ball. The team is getting ready for the annual Mt. Terror versus New Zealand game that takes place on January 10th. I know the talent and ambition of this year's team will take them all the way to winning the cup in the game against the Kiwis!