Intramurals give participants break from their routines

Jay Kahnt says a lot of people take intramural sports serious.

"We started with volleyball in the fall, which was really competitive," Kahnt said. "But, everybody's favorite is basketball."

Like years in the past, students are helping to organize intramural games. Senior Josh Sturm is helping to organize some of the activities.

"We look at what has worked in the past years and what students liked the best to decide what programs to put on," Sturm said.

Sturm said that the group chooses which activities to put on according to the participation numbers.

"Flag football, basketball and volleyball have been the biggest programs in the past years," Sturm said.

Kahnt is excited for the intramural basketball season. He thinks there will be another great turnout of teams just like last year.

"We had a eight teams play last year in the league and are looking to have a few more teams than that this year," Kahnt said.

Freshman Shane Gimzo helped organize for pick-up games in preparation for intramural basketball.

"We just go around the dorms, get a bunch of people together and play ball at the Mabee Center," Gimzo said.

Sturm believes it's beneficial for the students as they get something to do during the week outside of their daily routine.

"Everyone needs a break from their studies and intramurals is a great way to do that," Sturm said. "It's a fun way to stay active and interact with peers on campus."

Sometimes for Sturm, organization can be hard.

"We try to figure out what times work best, what is happening on campus and what facilities are going to be available to use to carryout these activities," Sturm said.

Student body involvement is important to those putting on the activities.

"I think that it is very important that students get involved in intramurals," he said. "It's a way for students to get out and interact with each other playing a variety of games and activities throughout the year."

Not only does Sturm see the student body benefiting, but himself, also.

"Helping with the program, I get to see students being active and having fun playing different games," Sturm said. "As a recreation major, it helps me learn how to run my own program."