Shelbie Harris
Staff Writer
Whether you’re fighting the freshman fifteen, looking for an exciting way to stay ph
ysically active, or simply trying to get involved with new people at Idaho State University, intramural sports are a great way to participate in both traditional sport activities as well as new activities on campus.
There are over 70 different activities offered every academic year from five-on-five basketball to table tennis. There is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
“Intramurals are like organized recreation,” said Shelby Williams, intramurals director. “It’s still ran by students, in which they create their own teams, but then the leagues are created for them and we organize recreation and get a champion out at the end.”
The ISU Intramural Program offers a wide variety of both individual and team sports.
Activities are designed so that participants of all skill levels and abilities are able to stay physically active, and have fun doing so.
“Most people who sign up for intramurals love sports and may not be able to make it on the collegiate teams so people who still want to play football, basketball, dodgeball, or any sport we offer, still have an opportunity to come out and play,” said intramurals supervisor Lucas Nevarez. “It’s nice to have something else to do to be involved, instead of only being in school because of how stressful it can be at times.”
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, spouses or anyone with an active Bengal ID card are eligible to sign up and participate in intramurals at ISU.
Williams said men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues are available and are divided up into different categories based on the level of desired competition.
For instance, A-leagues would be the leagues of highest competiveness, followed by B-leagues and also C-leagues for individuals looking for a non-competitive environment.
“We really try to keep things flexible. Having a large variety of activities available offers programming to a broad spectrum of people,” Williams said.
All intramural registration and scheduling can be completed online at www.imleagues.com/ISU.
Once registered, members can create a new team, join an existing team, or remain a free agent that can be later assigned to any team that needs a player. Williams said the success rate of free agents finding a team is very high.
“Volleyball, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, kayak-jousting, tennis, and rock climbing are a few of the activities available,” said Williams. “We are trying to find activities that not only keep students active, but also provide them a release from school and an opportunity to have fun and meet new people doing so. “
Reaching out to students is important to Williams. She said if there is any sport not currently offered through the intramurals program to contact her in order to discuss adding the event to the roster.
For each team-orientated sport there must be a champion. Champions are provided with a T-shirt that proclaims their intramurals champion status.
Williams said that all fees associated with intramurals are covered as part of student fees for the semester.
Interested students can get additional information by visiting the Campus Recreation Office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, contacting Shelby Williams at ude.usinull@lehsnnum or by accessing the ISU IM Leagues homepage at www.imleagues.com/ISU.
