With affordable options for experienced and recreational athletes, intramural sports at the University has a division and sport to perfectly fit the needs of any interested participant.
“It has been a great way to stay connected with sports,” veteran intramural competitor Eric Sorenson said.
The Recreational Sports Office offers different intramural sports each term depending on the season. During fall term, it offers flag football, indoor soccer, volleyball and three-on-three basketball. Also in the fall are weekend intramural tournaments, including cross-country, golf, tennis and racquetball.
For many upperclassmen and faculty, intramural sports have become a highlight of their University experience. They look forward to their next go at those coveted championship T-shirts – not to mention bragging rights for the remainder of the off-season.
Cindie Edamura, the assistant director of recreational sports, has won more than 30 championships while participating in almost every sport offered. There is no limit to the number of intramural sports available, and the program offers more than just competition, she said. “It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of people.”
Teams are set up by signing players to a roster sheet (available at 102 Esslinger). One player from each team acts as the manager, serving as a liaison between the team and the Rec. Sports Office, and attending the required preseason managers meeting. The first meeting, for flag football, is Oct. 3.
There is a flat fee per team, usually about $45 split between players. Three-on-three basketball only costs $15 per team.
For many new students who find it hard to scrounge up enough players to field a team, there is a free agent listing for each sport available in 102 Esslinger.
Brent Harrison, director of recreational sports, said the best way to ensure free agents get on a team is for them to go to the managers meeting for the sport.
Each sport is divided into men’s, women’s and coed. Within each league there are three divisions based on skill and competitiveness.
Division I is the most competitive and is the highest level of play available before college varsity and club sports. Division III is for players with little skill or knowledge about the sport. The most popular is Division II because it provides an equal mix between competitiveness and recreation, Harrison said.
“The most fun (league) is coed, because it’s laid back,” senior Daniel Clark said. He was a member of last year’s Division I championship flag football team.
During the winter, players can participate in five-on-five basketball, volleyball and floor hockey. Spring brings softball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and four-on-four volleyball.
If you are interested, go for it, insists Clark. “It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “You get to hang out with your friends and compete.”