UIndy students participate in intramurals
The University of Indianapolis offers students a number of activities and organizations with which they can get involved. UIndy also offers students an athletic outlet through the intramural program.
(L-R) Freshman Adil Assouab and graduate students Michaela Hornstein and Kevin Aaron participate in an intramural soccer game. Photo contributed by Sports Information
Intramurals is a student organization that allows for athletic competition for any student that wants to participate. It allows for students to participate who may not want to play sports on the collegiate level.
UIndy intramurals include flag football and ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and basketball. There is also indoor soccer and this year a slow-pitch softball tournament was also included. Most of the sports offer all-male, all-female and co-ed options for teams.
Senior sports marketing major Rachel Robertson, one of the student head coordinators, says that intramurals is open to everybody.
“It’s a great way to be active and sometimes it’s just for fun,” she said. “There are some teams that may not be very good but still have the best time.”
The intramural staff had the opportunity to utilize the Athletics and Recreation Center on the school’s campus.
This fall flag football and ultimate Frisbee were held in the ARC. In the past, both sports were held outdoors and had to play in inclement weather. Other sports, volleyball, basketball and indoor soccer are held in the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center and Nicoson Hall.
Senior art education major Jon Johnson has participated in ultimate Frisbee for four years and has enjoyed it every year.
“I’ve met a lot of people playing intramurals,” he said. “My best intramural experience is being in six [ultimate Frisbee] championships.”
Volleyball, men’s basketball and this year indoor soccer has seen a higher number of participants. Even though the ARC was available for use for the first time for indoor soccer, teams took a poll and decided they would rather play in the Ruth Lilly fitness center.
“It [the ARC] was available but the way indoor soccer is played is off of the walls,” she said. “The way Ruth Lilly is set up makes it more fast-paced and exciting.”
Those who participate in intramurals may do it for more than just fun. All participants have the opportunity to make it to the playoffs and the intramural championship. The champions of each sport all receive a championship t-shirt. Robertson says that the t-shirts alone make things competitive.
“It makes things pretty intense even if it is just a t-shirt,” she said.
Champions have their picture taken which is placed on the intramural bulletin board in room 209 of the Schwitzer Student Center.
Johnson felt accomplished after winning his first championship this year in ultimate Frisbee.
“It took me four years to do it but I finally got one [a championship],” he said.
Students interested in intramurals can find information by going to the Schwitzer Student Center 209. All teams need a student ID and a roster fee will be assessed.
“Grab some friends and try it out for season,” Johnson said. “You’ll probably come back.”
