The Wake

Just because you’re not good at something doesn’t mean you can’t do it anyway.

The preceding sentence isn’t the slogan for the intramurals program run by the University Department of Recreational Sports, but perhaps it would be fitting. Just because you weren’t putting up 40 points per game on your high school basketball team or breaking historical rushing records on the football field your senior year doesn’t mean you can’t take part in such sports recreationally in college.

By signing up for an intramural sport, you’ll be provided with a fully structured experience, including schedules, playing fields and referees. For these reasons, taking part in intramurals is a superior option to setting up your own pick-up games. After all, you won’t have to worry about the t-shirt you were using to mark the end-zone blowing away in the wind, nor will you have to worry about being forced to engage in hour-long arguments over the rules.

“I would recommend intramurals to all students because it is a great way to meet new people and stay active,” says director Nicole Rajkowski. She also notes that participating in intramurals offers an opportunity for students to try out a new sport that they’ve never had an opportunity to take a shot at before.

Sports are played on various nights of the week, with leagues offered for men, women and coed. And, if you actually happen to be good at sports, the varying levels of competition offered for most leagues will ensure a sufficiently challenging experience. You can put together your own team, or sign up as a free agent to be placed on one randomly.

Here’s a breakdown of the different sports that will be offered by the intramural program this fall:

Soccer
Indoor and outdoor varieties are both offered. Head-butting not permitted. Team fee: $90.

Softball
Just as the playoffs approach in the big leagues, you can do your best Mr. (or Ms.) October impression by crushing a slow-pitched softball into the muddy outfield plains of Bierman Field. Team fee: $105.

Basketball
Offered in both a three-on-three or more traditional five-on-five format, basketball is one of the most popular intramural sports. Speaking from experience, I can say that the higher levels get pretty competitive. Team fee: $45 (3-on-3); $50 (5-on-5).

Flag Football
If you have a desire to play organized football but aren’t big on the idea of getting tackled by someone who weighs three times as much as you, flag football is the way to go. Team fee: $85.

Volleyball
This might be one of the most underappreciated sports out there, especially for guys. Played indoors in the fall; outdoor sand volleyball is offered in the summer. Team fee: $90.

Hockey
This year marks the first time that a hockey league will be offered during the fall season. Hockey is a little more expensive than the other sports listed because rink time and the specialized referees are more costly. Team fee: $160.

Ultimate Frisbee
Know how to throw a Frisbee? The most inexpensive league offered. Team fee: $50.

Bowling
I’ve always wanted to be in a bowling league, if only so I could sit around and have philosophical discussions about nihilism and Vietnam. Team fee: $100.

If any of the options above strike your fancy, you’d be wise to make your way to the Rec. Center between Tuesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 13 to sign up. My advice: get there early. The lines can get pretty long.