By John Evanko
The University of Louisville’s Department of Intramural and Recreational Sports has been growing exponentially over the last few years. Sports like Ultimate Frisbee have more than doubled in participation, while every other event is steadily growing.
This growth is something John Smith, assistant director of intramural sports, attributes to the outstanding freshmen classes that continue to come to U of L. The growth began in 2006, with the students that are currently seniors. According to Smith, each class since then has come to U of L with even more passion for getting involved on campus, especially with intramurals.
“I’ve always loved playing sports, and I wanted to keep playing once I got to college,” said Burke Beiting, a sophomore business major. “It was the perfect way to play sports, meet new people, and have fun.”
Thousands of other students have evidently had the same attitude, and the intramural department is doing several things to meet the students’ needs.
The overall intramural championship has now been dubbed the Qdoba Cup, as the intramural department has entered into a partnership with the popular Mexican restaurant. Many perks for the students come along with this.
As if students didn’t already have enough reasons to participate in intramurals, winners of individual events will now receive gift cards to Qdoba, as well as the customary t-shirt and a picture on the Intramural Sports Wall of Fame. Winners of team events such as softball, flag football and basketball will receive large Qdoba gift cards for their organizations.
“I think it’s great that they are sponsoring the intramural department,” said Staci Kolkmeier, a junior psychology major and Chi Omega’s intramural chair. “All of our girls are really excited for it.”
Another way the intramural department is keeping up with students is through their multiple communication outlets. One of these outlets is Facebook, which allows Louisville Intramurals to upload photos and inform students on current events, as well as allowing students to communicate with the organization.
“The Facebook wall has really helped students who aren’t on a team find others who want to get a team together,” said Adam Jines, coordinator of intramural sports.
Jines, who usually maintains the account, feels that the Facebook wall is almost taking the place of the free agent system in the intramural office, where students not on a team can enter to join a team. Though the free agent system still exists, many students would rather search for teammates on Louisville Intramurals’ wall.
The intramural department is also on Twitter. Students will always be updated on the latest changes. In addition, they have also added their version of ESPN’s famous Bottom Line. On televisions in the SAC, there will be game updates and points updates for those who like to follow what is going on in the intramural world.
The intramural department has added two events that both the staff and the students are very excited about. The first is a sand volleyball tournament, which will be played on the sand court outside of Threlkeld Hall. The other event is the court dodgeball league, which will be making its debut on March 22. Games will be held in the racquetball courts, allowing for fast-paced action and providing fans with a close view from right behind the glass.
Intramurals will kick off this week with Ultimate Frisbee, kickball and softball. With over 30 events, there really is an event for everyone, something Smith feels is essential.
“It is such an easy way to meet new people,” Smith said. “Intramurals are just a great opportunity to get more involved on campus.”
