Spring intramural sports and special events allow students to not only stay active and be healthy, but also engage in the Beaver community.  

Whether students are just looking for a break from academics or wanting to put their sports skills to the test, spring sports accommodates every type of player, according to Sports and Special Programs Coordinator Ali Duerfeldt.

“Participating in intramural sports is a great way to stay active, try something new and get involved with the OSU community,” Duerfeldt said.  “Whether someone is a seasoned professional in a sport or has never played, intramural sports are for everyone, regardless of experience or skill.”  

Student participation in intramural sports has been a long lasting tradition for OSU, according to Coordinator of Intramural Sports Mitch Wiltbank.

“Recreational Sports is the third oldest program in the country and in fall 2016, the intramural sports program will celebrate its first 100 years,” Wiltbank said.  “It’s a great opportunity to be a part of a legacy with both alumni and people in the future across generations.”

Recreational Sports will be hosting five different spring leagues with weekly games this term. These include soccer, softball, team tennis, team golf and ultimate Frisbee. Each league offers separate men’s and women’s leagues, as well as co-rec leagues where men and women play together. Each league consists of a competitive A league and a more social and less intense B league.

The A and B leagues accommodate every player’s level of intensity, according to past spring intramural sports participant Benjamin Schouten.

“If you are talented and want to compete for an IM Shirt then the A league is for you, or if you just want to have fun then our B league is just the place,” Schouten said. “At the end of the day, we just want everyone to have a good time while playing the sports we love.”

Recreational sports encourages students who don’t have a team but still wish to play to join the free agent roundup, held on April 5 at 6 p.m. in the Dixon Upper Classroom for both soccer and softball leagues.

The free agent roundup provides students with an opportunity to branch out and make new friends, according to Schouten.

“If you don’t happen to have a group of friends that share your love for your sport then come and make one in the free agent roundup.” Schouten said. “That’s what I did my first year at OSU and I got onto several great teams while meeting a bunch of wonderful people.” 

For students who want to play but cannot make the weekly commitment, special events give them the opportunity to still play every so often. Recreational sports will be hosting nine different special events, ranging from the mom’s weekend 5K run and walk, to the sand volleyball doubles tournament.

“Nearly every week during spring term, there in an intramural sport or special event for students to try,” Duerfeldt said.

For intramural sports leagues, students can visit the Sports and Special Programs Office in Dixon to pick up a roster, and then submit the completed team roster and fee to the Recreation Services Desk in Dixon. For intramural sports special events, students can also get event registration forms from the Sports and Special Programs Office in Dixon.

“Intramural sports are a great way to make memories, leave a legacy, and of course, try to win the coveted intramural sports championship t-shirt,” Duerfeldt said.  “Above all else, the most important thing to know about intramural sports is that they are for everyone – everyone is welcome”