Wits hockey having a ball
SMACK THAT: Jessica Picas demonstrates how to use a hockey stick. Photo: Ilanit Chernick
The Wits hockey second team plans to win this year’s varsity league.
Wits Hockey Club chair, Jessica Picas, told Wits Vuvuzela this week that they want to win so they can move up to the reserve league which falls just below the premier league.
“Last year we came fourth in the league and this year we are aiming to change this,” she said.
According to Picas, Wits’ biggest opponent is the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and it’s not because they are tough to beat.
Picas said there has always been rivalry between the two teams because they are the only official universities in the league.
“Ever since I’ve been playing and even when my sister was playing over five years ago, there was major rivalry between the two teams. It’s inherent. As Witsies, we just want to beat UJ.”
Picas said the team’s goal for this year is also to create an “off the field vibe” between team members.
“The girls’ team gets on really well with each other but with new faces on the team we want to cement the relationships we create so we play well as a team.”
To stay relaxed the team enjoy having a “good time” together. Recently they spent time speed dating, watching hockey games together and having “fines meetings” as a way to bond between matches and practices.
The team are inspired to play hard by their coach, John, who is very good at “getting the girls pumped”.
“Hockey at Wits is the perfect balance between seriousness and playfulness,” Picas said. “We push each other but we’re able to have fun at the same time.”
For Witsies who don’t want to play competitively, the Wits hockey club is planning to start a social league which will be happening every Friday.
To officially kick off this year’s season, Wits will be playing UJ at the annual derby day taking place next weekend on the UJ campus.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the social hockey league can email the club on witshockeyclub@gmail.com
