Intramurals evolving to meet student interests

Nerf football, dodge ball, and four on four basketball teams are starting up their seasons for session three of intramurals this spring. There’s a different vibe to intramurals this semester, a greater variety of students are involved, and the available sports selection is more in tune with what the average student wants to participate in.

Adam Hildabrand, the men’s soccer coach and Intramural Director, has himself and his hard working team to thank for the positive changes the intramural program have recently undergone. Changing and improving the intramural system meant changing the way things are organized, and instead of Jade Prickett ’10 running most of the show as Hildabrand’s assistant, four students now make up the organizational staff.

“Jade knew more about intramurals than I did. Between the two of us we did everything. I came to the conclusion that the work should be divided up,” Hildabrand said.

Kris McLaughlin handles staff hours, Chelsey Burke works on promotions, Ken Recore does the scheduling, and Gary D’Annunzio serves as a go between who helps with all tasks. Not surprisingly, the men’s soccer coach constructed a team, and it’s performing well.

With a more efficient staff at hand, what kind of changes had to be made? What stayed the same? According to Hildabrand, basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey have made up the most popular sports to choose from in the past.

“When I took over it looked like intramurals were varsity athletics. We put a restriction on how many varsity players can be on the floor or on a roster. We are finding events now that appeal to all students. We’re keeping what’s successful, but adding stuff that appeals to the whole campus”, Hildabrand said.

Intramurals has more than just four options now. Pickup basketball and frisbee are now available options for students with time constraints who still want to play an organized sport. Intramurals will also be throwing a special kayaking event taught by a professional instructor as a sort of introductory course. That will be in the pool, and there will be a small fee to take part in the course.

More variety and hosting, what Hildabrand likes to call “fun gym class events”, are some of the main factors contributing to the intramurals growth here. Sophomore Sim Sharp, who has played in at least five different intramural sports, loves the variety and thinks everyone should participate to get their mind off things.

“I like that the intramurals are mixed with both varsity sports players and your not so varsity players so that games aren’t a one-sided fight and everyone has a good time. Intramurals are all about having fun and meeting new people. It’s also good to get away from homework, the snow, and those boring old people“, Sharp said.

“It’s a great way to get involved. It’s easy to get involved. Our goal is just to have fun”, Hildabrand said.

Sign ups for intramurals session three are currently closed, although students are encouraged to add into any current team that hasn’t filled out its roster. Students can also participate as “pickup free agents” or a fill in for teams a few people short. Session four will commence right after spring break, and although the four featured sports are still being decided, Hildabrand says ultimate frisbee will definitely make an appearance.

Print PDF