Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Pete Ridens SIUE students compete during a men's intramural co-recreational basketball game.

Many students who head to SIUE after their high school career look to continue to compete in athletic sports. For those who do not have the opportunity to participate in NCAA-sanctioned athletics, SIUE has another option that may suit them best.

Last year, an estimated 1,250 students participated in intramural sports. Each year more students participate in sporting events on a recreational level to better their health, relieve stress and have fun in a competitive event.

Intramural sports offered include basketball, roller hockey, pool, outdoor and indoor soccer, volleyball, bowling, softball, flag football, disc golf, table tennis, kickball, Frisbee, and mud volleyball.

Different skill levels suiting the needs of different athletes are available for intramural sports. Some events hold a small fee to keep up the facilities, but all events usually reward the participants who end the season overall champions. The champions of the sports are usually awarded with an intramural champion T-shirt.

"Historically, the most popular sports that we offer are soccer, volleyball, basketball, and flag football," Nathan Scott, Intramural and Special Events Recreation specialist, said.

Intramural sports are offered throughout the SIUE campus. In the Vadalabene Center most of the indoor sports are played. Outdoor sports are played on the campus recreational fields located across from the tennis courts.

"SIUE can be very proud of the recreation facilities it provides to the students," Mick Ostrander, Campus Recreation director, said. "We believe we have one of the finer recreation complexes in the area."

Participants and students who help with the programs learn a variety of things during the sporting event. Student workers, who schedule, referee and keep score, can gain professional experience while working in an athletic atmosphere.

"Officials and supervisors are placed in leadership positions that require them to react to many different types of situations, as well as communicate effectively to our participants," Scott said.

Intramural participants have the chance to play a sport as close to the organized and competitive level as possible without additional pressures. For a more relaxed atmosphere, students are encouraged to join the co-recreational leagues. A student looking for more of a challenge can sign up for the competitive league. A competitve league is for the athletes who have excelled in their desired sport in the co-recreational level. The competition is high and a higher level of skill is needed to comepte.

"There are leagues tailored to cater to different competition levels amongst the individual sports," Scott said. "Intramural sports are beneficial in many ways received by the participants and by the staff."

Intramural sports offer multiple physical and mental benefits. While the students engage in high-energy physical activity, they can also enhance their leadership and teamwork skills.

"The opportunity to increase your health through physical activity is a benefit," Scott said. "All participants in our programs receive this while they are having fun."

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