MASON NEALE
Special to The Leader
Who hasn’t had the dream to one day be a professional athlete?
Many people wanted to be the next Odell Beckham, Jr., Kobe Bryant or Lionel Messi as they grew up.
However, most soon realized that fewer than 10% of high school athletes make it to the college level for sports and even fewer get to the professional level.
But thanks to intramural sports, your short-lived athletic career doesn’t have to end just yet.
“My favorite part is being able to provide an opportunity for students to do something healthy and active that doesn’t have to do with their academics,” Director of Intramurals Geoff Braun said.
Intramural sports give a chance for students to put the books down, get out of the classroom and go play some sports and socialize.
“Intramurals gives students time to do something that will benefit them from a mental health standpoint; it provides a fun environment to escape to,” said Ali Dixon, an employee of intramural sports for three years.
For this fall semester, they are offering doubles pickleball, which is a paddle-based game that takes elements from ping-pong, badminton and tennis. They are also offering co-ed indoor volleyball. Lastly, there is co-ed flag football, which is by far the most popular.
It’s Bills season — who doesn’t want to go out on the gridiron and sling the pigskin around like Josh Allen?
“Intramurals allow me to meet other college peers, while also trying new sports,” Dixon said.
If you win the league of the sport you play in, you and your team get a free “Intramural Champion” shirt to keep. If you win three intramural leagues throughout the school year, you qualify for an “Intramural Legends” hoodie.
“It’s a great atmosphere. I’ve met and worked with amazing people … Working there has improved my time management skills along with problem solving,” Dixon said.
If you are ever bored from the constant drag of class and miss getting to hang out with your friends in the gym or playing a sport, try intramural sports. It’s a great opportunity to make new memories and friends while still getting to compete in a sport.
“That’s our mission: to provide a fun and safe environment to play,” said Braun.
To join intramurals next semester, all you have to do is sign up online, or ask one of the staff members inside the intramural office just outside of the gymnasium in Dods Hall.
Check the office hours posted outside the office door, or look up @fredintramurals on Instagram and all of the information you need will be right there.
Mason Neale, the author of this article, is employed by the Office of Intramurals.