Eric Schnell
Published: February 8, 2006
Most students rush home or to work after classes, unaware that a variety of intramural activities are open to them.
But for those who played sports in high school or just want to stay in shape, the program fulfills that passion.
The program has for the most part, any sport a student would want to join – baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer and bowling, to name a few.
“It’s a great way to meet new people,” Kirk Slay, a flag football player, said. “Flag football is the most popular sport, but it’s in the fall only. You become interested in other sports such as the bowling league, even if you have no experience.”
Even though the intramural program is a free benefit for students, Doug Rogers, the intramural program director, says many do nt take advantage of the program because of jobs or simply don’t know about the program.
“With so many students going back and forth between school and their jobs, it’s no wonder the students do not know of the opportunities in this program,” he said.
Rogers also explained that since the last big hurricanes (Ivan and Katrina), the program has not had as much participation as it should have because students are working more to help their family’s financial situations.
“Even with all of this going on, there are still a lot of people joining in the program, mainly through word of mouth. With all the bulletins and flyers [we post around campus,] I try my best to let the students know about our sports program.”
Rogers’ philosophy on the sports program is, “If one student wants it, we will try to offer it.”
Rogers also thinks student involvement is down because there is no dedicated student recreation center, a place where students can meet together and play.
Lou Ross Center contains a weight room, gym and pool, but those areas must be shared with athletics and physical education classes.
“It’s hard to hang out in the gym,” Rogers said. “But, if there was a recreation center for all sports to meet, and as well, lights outside at the field [jogging track],we would have more people in the sports program.”