University Rec offers winter intramural sign-ups

January 27, 2003
Filed under Student Life

Freshman Lauren Karle made the Blugold volleyball team this fall, but had to quit because the time commitment was too much.

Karle, who played on a highly competitive and successful high school team, didn’t want to give up the sport entirely.

Her solution was to play intramural volleyball – on three different teams.

“It’s a good way to get involved, stay busy and get out of the dorms,” Karle said. “But it’s not too much of a time commitment.”

Karle’s team will be one of approximately 220 expected to sign up for six different intramural sports during the second winter session. Registration will be held Jan. 27-31 at Hilltop Recreation Center, Student Services Program Manager John Bollinger said.

Registration runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

The intramural season will last approximately six weeks, and is expected to draw 2,500 students, Bollinger said.

Participants can compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, broomball and racquetball.

For the first time, University Recreation is offering an intramural whiffleball category.

“We try to provide a niche for everyone’s interest level,” Bollinger said. “That’s how whiffleball and ultimate Frisbee got started.”

Ultimate Frisbee is offered during the spring intramural session.

The level of competition for the different intramural sports varies, Bollinger said, but even a novice can join.

“A basic knowledge of the game is very helpful,” he said. “But the majority (of students without prior experience) pick it up very quickly.”

Karle saw various levels of intensity on her three fall volleyball teams, she said. But she thinks that most people should be able to find a comfortable level of play, she added.

Another plus for Karle has been the social aspect of playing intramurals.

Particularly because she was new to the university this fall, meeting people through intramural competition has been important, she said.

“(Playing in the fall) was a great way to meet people,” she said, “and continue playing a sport I liked.”

The benefits of getting involved in intramural sports are numerous, Bollinger said.

“It’s a terrific stress release,” he said. “And it’s a break from the study grind, a way to meet people and stay healthy. And it’s cheap.”

Intramural registration costs $20 per team, or a dollar per player for racquetball competition.

Intramural teams are men only, women only or coed. There is no limit to the number of people who can play on any one team, Bollinger said.

Karle will only play on one intramural volleyball team during the second winter session, she said. In addition, she might play softball in the spring to stay involved.

Karle is looking forward to the upcoming intramural session.

“I just like getting to know more people,” she said.