Laura Kavorik || Staff Writer
College sports are not just for varsity athletes. Offering a break from classwork and the quietness of the library, intramurals allow students to get involved on campus, meet new people, and stay active.
Steve Leitch, director of intramurals, said camaraderie is one of the biggest advantages of intramurals.
“It’s all about team-building and meeting friends,” Leitch said. “All the friends I talk to from my undergraduate years were on my intramural team; it’s about being a part of something.”
Sophomore Dustin McClasin played for Hester residential college during the 2011-12 school year.
“You get to meet new people that live in the same dorm as you, and you share a common interest. It helps break the ice,” McClasin said. “Intramurals are definitely a good thing to have on campus.”
The five major sports offered to students are slow-pitch softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and flag football.
The sports are separated into three leagues Greek, residential colleges, and independents.
“Anyone can play intramurals, there is no experience necessary,” Leitch said. “There are competitive and non-competitive leagues.”
With his background in wellness, Leitch said the leagues were set up so people could receive the health and social benefits of sports.
The 2012-13 school year brings some new changes as dodgeball, ultimate frisbee and inner tube water polo have been added.
“These sports are going to be held on weekends and will have a shorter season than the other sports,” Leitch said.
The intramural season kicks off with slow-pitch softball on Sept. 10, 2012.