There was Roy Williams, larger-than-life on the projector at Chuck’s, bear-hugging players, ticker-tape falling all around to signify the end of a thrilling college basketball season.

It couldn’t have been any better. Another thrilling college game in a seemingly endless succession, dating all the way to back to September and the football season.

Then the screen went blank.

It hit the patrons like a splash of cold water in the face, the nothingness serving as a fitting symbol: No more major college sports on television for a whole summer. After a year of gridiron Saturdays and Big Mondays, there won’t be any more college football or basketball to occupy our lives, which should be cause for some serious free time.

So now, without the big games and marching bands, what do we do to get our sports fill? Here’s a few suggestions:

Play golf at Drumlins

If you’re a freshman and don’t pay attention to the pamphlets they give you at orientation, you need read this next sentence very carefully.

Free golf can be played less than a five-minute drive from where you live.

That’s right – free golf. You could put this paper down, hop in your car and be on the third tee in 45 minutes, all with your wallet being none the wiser. Drumlins Country Club offers free golf to anyone with an SUID, right down to rental clubs, if you need them.

Of course, you’ll be playing the famed West Course, which has drawn comparisons to famed tracks like Your Backyard and Little League Outfield.

Tiger Woods couldn’t hit a fairway there because, well, there aren’t any. The course uses universal rough, which means you might need a weed whacker to find your ball after the best drive of your life.

Not that I’m complaining. In fact, the day I complain about free golf is the day I don’t complain about press spreads while covering free sporting events. Besides, Drumlins has some unique charms, none better than the 18th hole, a proper climax to a round if there ever was one.

The tee rests a good 70 feet above the green, leaving the player to launch a six-iron that soars until it looks like the Titleist will never come down. Then it does, and if it somehow comes to rest on the green, there’s not a more satisfying feeling in town.

There isn’t a better – or cheaper – way to spend two hours if you’re a student than grabbing the sticks and heading to Drumlins.

Unless, of course, golf’s not your thing. Then, you could always …

Play Frisbee barefoot on the Quad

No, actually, just kidding. Do not do this. Ever. Especially if you’re a guy.

You’re in college. We get it already. Now find a hobby that doesn’t double as the worst campus clich there is.

Instead, why don’t you act like an American and …

Have a catch

Get out the old ball and glove and start throwing. Precious few things are simpler, and fewer still bring as much joy.

Do yourself a favor when the weather is as nice as it was yesterday. No matter how busy you are or how many tests you have to study for, take 15 minutes and play catch. Honestly, just drop everything. Stress will be nothing but a memory.

That first thwack of horsehide against leather transports you back to your front yard, back to when you didn’t have a care in the world.

If I had the choice of giving up beer for the rest of my life or having the opportunity to play catch with my father, I’d say pass me my glove. That’s how sweet playing catch is.

In fact, you know what? It sure beats watching sports on TV.