Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Kirk Marvin Ray Preston, left, speeds down the court about to pass his opponent from the aging Balding Eagles.

Intramural Sports for the spring 2010 semester have begun at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The intramural schedule is packed this semester, as always. First out of the gate are five-on-five basketball and indoor soccer. Both of these sports are very fast-paced and quite intense.

The seriousness with which the teams take this tournament runs the gamut from teams that practice multiple times a week to teams that show up five minutes after the game is supposed to start and put on the tennis shoes. "That is what is so awesome about intramurals here at Riddle…" said Sean Thatcher, a regular participant in the university's most popular intramural, flashball. "Everyone, regardless of technical skill or determination, can come out and play the game and just have fun."

Do not let this fool you though, after a long, arduous day of classes and flight planning, these students play with a purpose. "It's a great way to blow off steam," said Ray Preston, one of the three Intramural Supervisors whom Ted Blake employs to schedule and oversee the intramural events. Even the teams that do not practice really get into the spirit of the game, sometimes even more so than their more-determined counterparts.

There is constant banter back and forth between the teams, with both of the teams constantly harassing the referee. Those poor students in yellow shirts; no one ever seems to like them. "I would say mostly that the refs are out there trying to officiate the games as best they can, and do make mistakes," says Mike Johnson, an intramural participant as well as a referee. If you end up playing intramural sports, just remember that they are only students too.

"People should play intramurals because it gives them a chance to have fun and be competitive," said Preston. "Most of my friends here [at ERAU] are people who I've played with or played against during intramurals, so it's a great social activity." You can make up a team with all of your friends, or you can join a free agent team and make some new friends. There is always more room for players to join up before the various intramural seasons start. If there are enough players, different leagues get set up based on experience and estimated talent. This way, everyone gets a chance to score some points and win.

With all of the options for intramurals this semester it is hard to imagine that there is not a sport for everyone at ERAU, but if you come up with an idea that is not already being used, Preston says, "All [you] would have to do is contact the intramural office at extension 3980 or at [riddleintramurals@gmail.com]." So check the schedule, sign up to play, or bring up something new to play. Blow off some steam or just have some fun. No matter what your talent level or your reason for playing, intramural sports has something for you.

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