By Eddie Bobbit
Not everyone here at the University of Louisville will get the chance to play varsity athletics. However, just because students were not a highly touted five star high school prospect, doesn’t mean they need to let their athleticism go to waste.
Intramurals is one of the many student activities offered at U of L. With over 50 events scheduled per academic year, there are surely enough options to satisfy everyone’s interest.
“I love the fact that we offer so many opportunities to play intramural athletics,” said senior psychology major Stephanie Carroll. “There are so many sports to play at a variety of skill level. If you play sports at all, you are bound to meet new people and enjoy yourself while competing at the same time.”
Any student enrolled for at least one credit hour is eligible to play. Full and part time faculty and staff may also participate.
The Intramural Sports Department consists of five indoor facilities and the Parkway Field Outdoor Complex. Indoor facilities include the Student Activities Center (SAC) Gym, the Cardinal Corner Game Room, Humana Gym, the Health Science Campus Fitness Center and Crawford Gym.
Intramural sports are not limited by skill level. Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels are available for most sports, for both individual and dual events. A and B divisions are available in league events. In addition, the canoe regatta, volleyball league and flag football league offer a co-recreational division.
If students do not have a team together but still desire to play and meet new people, they can go to the office and sign up on the “free agent” list. This list will be provided to teams that are looking to add someone to their roster.
There are several perks associated with winning intramural sports at U of L. Winning individuals and teams in each division will receive intramural champion t-shirts. In addition, every champion’s picture is placed on the Intramural Sports Wall of Fame.
The Wall of Fame dates back to 1954. Old Wall of Fame displays can be found in Humana Gym and Crawford Gym, and recent displays can be found in the SAC Gym.
“As a transfer student to the University of Louisville, I found that participating in intramural sports helped me meet new people and get more involved with the university,” said junior Nate Slenker. “The people I have met while playing intramurals have helped me both on the field and with adjusting to the new campus life.”
Junior marketing major Mike Dennis is also supportive of the intramural program.
“I think that having such a well developed intramurals department is great for the university,” Dennis said. “It offers those students who may not be interested in many Recognized Student Organizations or that do not know what programs the university has to offer.”
