Why You Should Compete in Intramurals
Reported by Elizabeth Hoyt
Photography by Isaac Gallegos
George Fox University (GFU) offers a wide variety of intramural sports throughout the year, including basketball, volleyball, flag football, dodgeball, soccer, and badminton. Additionally, there are opportunities to play in disc golf, whiffle ball, ping pong, and sand volleyball tournaments.
The university’s website says that “our intramural program gives students an outlet for friendly competition and a forum to build relationships, foster teamwork, and create memories.” All GFU undergraduate, graduate students, and faculty/staff can participate in intramural sports, as long as they are not on that particular sport’s official collegiate team.
Wesley Wooden, a senior, has been playing intramural sports since his freshman year at GFU. He began as a free agent on volleyball and dodgeball teams. Since then, he has made many great friendships through participating in a large number of intramural activities. He’s currently competing in the 4-on-4 indoor volleyball playoffs and plans to play in the upcoming ping-pong, pickleball, and bouldering intramurals before he graduates this May.
When asked why he loves playing intramural sports, Wesley said, “Competing in intramurals gives me something to look forward to when even getting up for class feels like a daunting task… When I see players on a team I built giving their everything to go for one more ball or push themselves a little harder than the day before, I am fully satisfied. This is what has driven me to compete in as many different intramurals as I have.”
Wesley thinks that everyone should give intramurals a shot if they’re interested.
“For those looking to compete, intramurals present opportunities to win or learn from losses; to make rivals and form bonds with teammates,” he said. “For those looking to socialize, they present opportunities to make new friends and experience new things; to learn to be a part of a team and how to depend on others more. Intramurals are for anyone and will grow you in one way or another. It just takes a little boldness to take that first step out and join a team.”
You can take that first step by signing up for an intramural sport either through IMLeagues.com or by stopping at the front desk of the Hadlock Student Center. Some of the upcoming intramural activities for the remainder of this semester include:
2nd Annual All Star Night: (March 13)
Ping Pong Tournament: (March 14)
Badminton: Monday/Wednesday 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (March 16- April 15)
5 on 5 Basketball: Monday/Wednesday 8:00 pm-10:30 pm (March 16- April 15)
Pickleball: Tuesday/Thursday 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (March 17- April 16)
Floor Hockey: Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 pm-10:30 pm (March 17- April 16)
If you need a break from classes and want a great opportunity to meet more people and stay active, why not try participating in intramurals? It is the perfect chance to try out a new sport, or keep playing one that you already know and love, in a competitive yet friendly environment.