Intramural boys and girls basketball kicked off on Sunday and will run until Friday, March 18th, with play offs beginning after Spring Break.
No prior experience is necessary to compete in IM athletics and the sport requires just a $50 registration deposit. What’s better, the $50 deposit is returned to all teams with a non-forfeiture season. Each team appoints a captain who communicates with Erika Dombkowski, the Director of Intramural Sports. This season, a whopping 23 teams rallied together to compete against one another.
Enrolling twenty boys teams and only three girls teams was an initial concern. Being short female involvement had many students wondering if women’s teams would get unbalanced game time. However, changes were made to the 2016 Intramural League schedule and coed composition was put forward. In fact, it seems as if the majority of teams aren't fazed by playing the opposite sex.
“We don't have a game strategy besides winning,” said sophomore Hannah Gardner, a member of the undefeated Alpha Phi team. “We like to do some fast breaks and a few pick and rolls here and there. It’s really fun playing against the frats and being competitive.”
Games are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday ranging from 8-10 p.m. in the Lilly Center. All teams have the freedom to choose their own unique names, allowing each team’s personality to shine through. They are also allowed to wear any uniform they please, as long as they are athletic and appropriate to people of all ages.
“We’re just out there to have a good time,” said senior Quinton Morrow, a member of the Phi Kappa Psi team. “If we make a run in the playoffs, we make a run. We don’t actually have a strategy or anything, we just try and get enough guys to play on any given night.”
Dombkowski, who also acts as the head field hockey coach, constructs the logistics of the league; however, the teams, coaches and games are primarily orchestrated by students.
“What I like most about IM basketball is the element of fun involved,” said sophomore Haley Bitzer, a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta team. “Since everyone is there by choice, the environment isn't extremely serious or cutthroat. ...Even though girls teams may feel discouraged about playing all boys teams, it's fun to challenge gender norms and create a space of friendly competition.”
With many more games left in the season and raw talent on the court, students and faculty are encouraged to stop by and cheer on the players.
“It started out as a dream, turned into reality,” said Delta Tau Delta team member and sophomore Nolan Ayres. “To be able to compete Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays out on that court is a blessing.”