The atmosphere is perfect: freshly cut grass, newly drawn white lines and a palpable excitement permeating the air. Players amble around the sidelines, stretching and talking, as fans assemble to cheer on their teams. No, I’m not talking about football. Well, not Mississippi State football, anyway.
Although intercollegiate sports are an integral part of the college experience, I am not always content to merely sit and watch. I was always active in high school athletics, and I continue that tradition now through intramurals. From the end of August to the end of November, there are a variety of intramural sports that you can participate in. This is a great area to get involved in for several reasons.
First, you are able to not only have fun with your friends but to meet new people who share your interests. The playing field is a great place to cultivate lasting relationships. Many freshmen form teams that stay together for the duration of their college careers.
Intramural sports are also an enjoyable way to squeeze some exercise into one’s schedule. I know that I enjoy running a lot more when it is concealed by something fun, such as basketball or soccer. At times, it can be hard to get motivated to go to the Sanderson Center. However, if you play intramurals, the commitment can double as your daily workout. Since intramurals run for almost the entire semester, it is easy to use them as an exercise outlet.
Another fun aspect of intramurals is wardrobe enhancement. All you need to play most sports is a numbered T-shirt that matches your team’s color. You can get these shirts made at the Lodge for a fairly low cost. Many people have nicknames put on the back of their shirts, too. It’s always interesting to sit in class and try to figure out how the girl sitting in front of you got the nickname “Ice-Man.” The more teams you play on, the more colorful
T-shirts you gain.
For those of you who are competitive, another T-shirt may be in your near future. As veterans know, the pinnacle of intramural achievement is the T-shirt. If your team wins the league tournament at the close of the season, then everyone on the team receives an intramural T-shirt. This piece of clothing lets everyone know that you are an intramural champion. You may not think that an intramural T-shirt is worth very much right now; however, if you immerse yourself in the intramural world, you’ll soon learn that it’s all about the shirt.
With the variety of intramural sports offered, you are bound to find one that suits you. There are the classics: basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball. There’s flag football and ultimate frisbee. There are even some quirky ones, such as kickball and wiffleball. I have to say that my personal favorite, though, is inner tube water polo. No other sport I have ever participated in even comes close to being as fun as this one. On the surface, it may seem easy; however, it is actually quite challenging and a great workout for your arms. If you play nothing else, play this. Trust me; it is worth it.
Also, don’t worry about not having the skill to play. There are teams for people of all abilities, and most are ultimately out there to have fun. I am extremely competitive in some sports, like basketball or volleyball. But I also like to play soccer, which is not an area in which I am blessed with much talent. I do not let that hinder me, though. For the second year now, I am playing intramural soccer with some girls who just know that Tracey’s job is to run around, distract the other team and amuse the fans.
No matter who you are, there is an intramural team for you. You don’t have to be a phenomenal athlete or in great shape. Find some people and a sport that you are comfortable with and just go out there and have a good time. You might even surprise yourself and end up with one of those coveted intramural T-shirts at the end of the season.