Sure, most universities have a standard set of clubs like the Ultimate Frisbee Club or the Pre-Dentistry Club. But lots of schools have niche-ier groups based around less mainstream interests, and I wish they had townie counterparts – because I’m not a student and I’d like to celebrate my geekiness with others.

Check out the local college clubs below. Can you think of any non-collegiate groups in town organized around cool/fun/geeky interests? (And yes, I have head about the Adult Dulcimer Jam over in Menomonie).

P.O.N.G. (Stout)

People's Organization of Network Gaming (PONG) was created to provide a communication channel for gamers on the UW-Stout campus. Thier website provides an open forum of communication that allows gamers to find other gamers across campus with similar interests and meet in an on-line arena.  PONG also provides hosting for events known as LAN (Local Area Network) Parties that occur approximately once a month during the normal academic year.  These events allow gamers to meet and greet each other in a non-online environment while still enjoying the on-line games they love. Website.

Mah-Jong Club (UWEC)

Though usually associated with gambling, the Mah-Jong Club, going into its second semester at UW-Eau Claire, will take a friendlier approach to the game. Started because Chinese students were looking for a recreational outlet, the club obtained a couple game sets and began meeting every other week in Jazzman’s Café in the Davies Center. As people stop by to watch, the club hopes to teach others the Chinese game, introducing them to some Chinese culture and setting up tournaments. “In China, around holidays, people get together to play,” says the club’s advisor, Shu Chuan Cheng. “It’s a festive, noisy game.” Players may even pick up some Chinese phrases along the way. For more information, click this.

UW-Stout’s fishing team

Sure, there’s the idea of fishing peacefully on a beautiful lake surrounded by nature with the exciting snooze here or there, but why not add a competitive edge? Stout’s club fishes local tournaments with hopes to qualify for nationals. Tournaments involve gaining information about the lake and doing background research. And then, you know ... you go fishing. The latest news on this year’s amazing team is here.

West African Music Society (UWEC)

Imagine several people sitting in a circle with djembes (a type of drum) between their knees and hands beating in synch and you have the West African Music Society. The club has about 30 rhythms in their repertoire and members learn about the culture, festivals, and songs that go with the rhythms. One aspect of the club is community service. Since 1995, when they first played for a Nigerian musical performed at UWEC, the group has played in a variety of venues. The club is open to anyone in the community who has the interest to learn. Info.