(-- The Beacon)
By Jason Hortsch Staff Writer hortsch12@up.edu
UP's intramural program has started once again, and students are taking full advantage of all that the program offers. With sports such as volleyball, kickball and badminton in full swing, and others such as football just starting, students have a variety of options from which to choose.
"Intramural sports give students an opportunity to participate in different athletic activities from bocce ball to football," Intramural Sports Coordinator Derek Duman said. "They get to meet people, take a break from class and have a little fun. It's just a good break from the high stress level of school."
Junior intramural sports participant Matt Timm wholeheartedly agrees.
"I like intramural sports because they allow me to blow off all the stress I amass during the week between homework, studying and classes," Timm said.
UP's intramural sports program offers multiple skill levels, so there is always a comfortable niche for everyone.
"Division One is traditionally more competitive: for example kids who have played that sport in high school or competitively before," Duman said. "Division Two is not as competitive. It's mainly for people who just want to come out and have a good time."
Director of Recreational Services Brian Dezzani believes the intramural program is an excellent opportunity for students to bond with each other, while at the same time staying active.
"We try to give students positive interactions and fitness opportunities," Dezzani said. "We try to provide opportunities for students to socialize, recreate and stay fit within a structured environment."
Both Duman and Dezzani are proud of the welcoming nature of UP's intramural sports program.
"Our program is good because we're small and we can respond," Dezzani said. "We can offer unique programs like the capture the flag tournament we added this year. It was just someone's idea that was realized. At UP, a lot of our referees also play in the program. It's very friendly."
"Coordinators all have office hours every week, so if people have questions or ideas for new sports we're all more than willing to talk with people," Duman added.
Perhaps most importantly, though, participation costs nothing.
"A lot of big universities charge students to play intramural sports," Duman said.
"Oregon State charged $20 back in 1994 when I worked there," Dezzani said.
While being able to meet new friends and stay in shape is more than enough reason to participate, the coveted intramural champion T-shirt is a large part of participants' motivation.
"I like being able to try new sports and have the chance to win T-shirts," senior intramural sports veteran Chris O'Dell said.
"The goal is to have a great time and be competitive, but the icing on the cake is the intramural champion T-shirt," Duman said.
Fellow Intramural Sports Coordinator Emma Healy keeps her assessment of this year's T-shirts simple.
"The T-shirts are going to be tight," Healy said.
Duman encourages students who are at all interested in participating to join a team and reap the rewards.
"Don't be afraid if you don't have a team or a group of friends that you can get together," Duman said. "As long as you sign up, you will get a chance to play."
UP's intramural program is a special opportunity offering an environment that may not be available to students after college, and senior intramural participant Spencer Boland is aware of this fact.
"Where else can you play dodgeball?" Boland said.
