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| Sept 26, 2002 | Online Since 1996 | Vol 77 No. 9 |
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Intramural sports offer competitive
play at all levels for student athletes |
Allie
Woods |
Sports Beat Upon acceptance
to college, most students are filled with excitement and anticipation.
They continue to live their lives as normal high school seniors
by zoning out in class, going to the prom and for some participating
in athletics. |
As the various seasons end, no one thinks much of it at the time. Everyone goes to graduation, has as much fun as possible over the summer and then swears to keep in touch as they go their separate ways. It is at this time a void enters some students’ lives: not the void that you feel when you realize mom’s cooking really is good or the one left by not having your own room and privacy. This void is something much worse for some people, the void of not having a team of which to be a part, a lack of everyday competition and striving to be best on the field. Luckily, this can be alleviated by participation in intramural sports. “After playing college football for one year, the intramural system provided a great way for me to stay active and competitive,” said former student John Blevins. Intramural sports are not only for former college athletes or for the most competitive. The divisions are set up so the most competitive people only compete against each other. The lower divisions are set up for the less competitive, so people who are a little less skilled can still compete against others like themselves. Preparation for intramural events is never lacking. Eddie Simmons, assistant director of University Recreation, puts in between 60-70 hours a week to make sure things run smoothly. In addition to overseeing all intramural sports and events, Simmons is also in charge of officiating. To become an official, students have two options. They may take the officiating class that is offered as a three-hour physical education elective. Students go over the rules of the games in class and then must complete 38 hours of officiating training. When training is complete, students are hired to officiate for pay. In the second option, aspiring referees and officials can complete the fall training courses, to be paid from the start. Everyone has stress while in college and everyone has different ways of relieving it. For some people the playing field is the best way. Facilities for intramural sports include the use of Broome-Kirk Gymnasium, Varsity Gymnasium and State Farm Fields. While these facilities are not state of the art, they do provide ample area to play. “For intramural type stuff I don’t think you need anything a lot fancier than what we’ve got,” said sophomore Larken M. Egleston. Historically the most popular intramural sport has been basketball, but sports such as flag football, soccer, volleyball, horseshoes, pickle ball, tennis and team handball are also popular choices. Team handball is a very widely liked game throughout the intramural world. This cross between basketball and lacrosse is a skill game with a physical nature that would make any rugby player happy. Entry forms to sign up for intramurals are available in 207 Broome-Kirk Gymnasium, and in the Quinn Recreational Center. Students may create their own team, or individuals may join as free agents. 
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