The Graduate's Grind: Brigham Young University- Idaho
Intramurals...Just Do It
By. Summer Dornon
Looking for a little friendly competition? Then intramurals is just the place to look! Every semester BYU-Idaho offers a wide variety of activities for students to get involved in. The aim of the intramural sports program is to provide each individual with the opportunity to participate in his or her favorite type of competition, and to explore and enjoy new or untried sport activities. Each year, BYU-Idaho tries to add several new events as a means to attract new people to the program. There is an opportunity for every individual to participate no matter what the level of ability. Students are encouraged to sample several of the activities so as to discover the ones that you enjoy and will continue to pursue later in life. The intramural sports program emphasizes and rewards values such as sportsmanship and broad participation and leadership. Intramurals, also known as recreation division, is designed to provide participants with a flexible yet structured schedule. Teams are based on skill and interest levels broken down as Viking, recreation, leisure, and ward leagues. One can participate in any of those categories and play within a number of sports, from basketball, swimming, floor hockey, wrestling, volleyball, racquetball, bowling and so much more. Teams consist of both co-ed groups and separate men and women teams. Wondering what sport to participate in? Well, that is simple just take a look at BYU-Idaho’s Activity’s Web site. There you will find a list of teams to join, sign up forms for your own team, times, dates and schedules. Not sure on the competitive level in which you play compared to others? Don’t worry, there are several different levels in which to participate in, from recreational up to competitive. There is something for everyone!
Many people see intramurals as ‘glorified high-school sports,’ but this attitude can cause someone to miss the benefits of this program. One can really come to enjoy the experiences and outlet it provides. Looking back at my own experience within the intramural program at BYU-Idaho, I can honestly say that it has taught me life-long lessons and experiences that have shaped me in the way I am today. There are so many lessons that can be learned while actively participating within intramurals. And just think about it, it’s a three for one special, learning life lessons, meeting new people, and losing those unwanted pounds!
Many people see intramurals as ‘glorified high-school sports,’ but this attitude can cause someone to miss the benefits of this program. One can really come to enjoy the experiences and outlet it provides. Looking back at my own experience within the intramural program at BYU-Idaho, I can honestly say that it has taught me life-long lessons and experiences that have shaped me in the way I am today. There are so many lessons that can be learned while actively participating within intramurals. And just think about it, it’s a three for one special, learning life lessons, meeting new people, and losing those unwanted pounds!
Intramurals, Here We Come
By. Celeste Russell
After wobbling off the court and heading to the sports medicine room, Mikaela found out she sprained her ankle. She wondered why she was even playing basketball in the first place. It was freezing cold outside and Jason could hardly catch the football because his hands were numb. He wondered why he was not indoors under a blanket. After scoring a goal and having her whole team jump on her and yell, Lizzy knew why she was playing soccer. Hailey had that itchy feeling she needed the ball. She called for it, she shot it, and she made it right before the buzzer. She knew why she was playing basketball. When hundreds of BYU-I students go out and play intramurals and make lots of friends, they know that it is worth playing.
There are ups and downs in many decisions in life. There are ups and downs to playing intramurals. Yes, someone might break a bone. Yes, someone might freeze. But the "downs" are completely worth the "ups." Participants say it is worth being in the program. Meeting new people and making friends is a huge part of college. The easiest way to make sure this happens is to be on an intramural team. It is completely different from high school sports. There are no practices. The teams just come out to play the games and have fun.
Dan Chadwick was an excellent athlete. Numerous colleges looked at him to play basketball. When he finally decided that he was going to attend BYU-Idaho and prepare for a mission, he was disappointed that BYU-Idaho did not have normal college sports. Coming to school, he found out about the intramurals program. Of course he would play! “The intramurals program can be very competitive. If you are in the Viking league, then you really have intense games. I love that I can go out and have an intense game without having to practice every day. I could focus on school and have a great time with my buddies I made on the court.”
On the main page of the sports activities website, it says, “The sports program provides students an opportunity to complete at their own comfort level in a wide variety of sports and events.” It is important to note that different levels of competition are offered. Alexis, a junior, decided to participate in the intramurals for the first time this semester. “I never played on a softball team before, but I found out I am really good at it. I had so much fun. My team made shirts and we just went out to have good laughs, and we actually won a lot of games.” The program is for the experienced and the rookies. Take the risk. Get out in the cold or break a bone, but have fun doing it. Put on a pair of gloves for that football game, wear ankle braces for that basketball game, and go out and make lots of friends.
There are ups and downs in many decisions in life. There are ups and downs to playing intramurals. Yes, someone might break a bone. Yes, someone might freeze. But the "downs" are completely worth the "ups." Participants say it is worth being in the program. Meeting new people and making friends is a huge part of college. The easiest way to make sure this happens is to be on an intramural team. It is completely different from high school sports. There are no practices. The teams just come out to play the games and have fun.
Dan Chadwick was an excellent athlete. Numerous colleges looked at him to play basketball. When he finally decided that he was going to attend BYU-Idaho and prepare for a mission, he was disappointed that BYU-Idaho did not have normal college sports. Coming to school, he found out about the intramurals program. Of course he would play! “The intramurals program can be very competitive. If you are in the Viking league, then you really have intense games. I love that I can go out and have an intense game without having to practice every day. I could focus on school and have a great time with my buddies I made on the court.”
On the main page of the sports activities website, it says, “The sports program provides students an opportunity to complete at their own comfort level in a wide variety of sports and events.” It is important to note that different levels of competition are offered. Alexis, a junior, decided to participate in the intramurals for the first time this semester. “I never played on a softball team before, but I found out I am really good at it. I had so much fun. My team made shirts and we just went out to have good laughs, and we actually won a lot of games.” The program is for the experienced and the rookies. Take the risk. Get out in the cold or break a bone, but have fun doing it. Put on a pair of gloves for that football game, wear ankle braces for that basketball game, and go out and make lots of friends.
Intramurals For Life
By. Brigitte Harper
Run. Kick. Dodge. Swing. Shoot. Score! These words ring on fields all over campus, but my experience with the BYU-Idaho intramural program cannot be summed up in any number of words. Joining the program as a new freshman was intimidating, but quickly I became acclimated and learned to love every sport I became involved in. Despite being disappointed that the school did not offer the typical athletic program, I quickly learned that the intramurals program was a great opportunity for me to follow one of the program’s goals: to prepare for life. The opportunity to play sports I had never considered playing excited me, and sports like floor hockey, dodge ball, and ultimate Frisbee suddenly sounded appealing. Participating enabled me to continue to develop my athletic ability, as well as learn life lessons that are applicable on and off the court, like swing for the fences in every aspect of my life, keep my aim focused on the target, and continue working hard until the final whistle is blown. Because of what I have learned, my love for this program has grown and I believe it to be greater than any other college sports program.
