Intramurals give more students chance to compete

By Steven Hare
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The intramural sports program offered by Norwich University presents its students with more than just the opportunity to compete in athletics. The program also provides leadership opportunities along with the ability to earn some extra money.

According to Dr. Chandler Stowell, Director of Student Activities, the purpose of intramural sports is to fill a void for students who are looking to enjoy themselves in a competitive setting. Usually these students do not participate in varsity sports.

The intramural sports that are available for student participation are soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, pool and softball.

"I have played intramural softball and basketball every year since I have been here, and they have always been very competitive and well organized," explained Carmine Denisio 22, a senior communications major from Mariaville, NY.

"The athletic department takes care of about one third of the student body; we take care of the other two-thirds," stated Stowell.

According to Stowell, the level of competition has had such a dramatic increase that teams may soon divide so that experienced team members compete against one another, while beginner teams compete amongst themselves.

"Every year, it seems that there are more teams in every sport, and it seems that the level of competition is increasing as the number of teams increase," said Nick Orapollo 20, a junior biology major from Troy, NY.

The intramural sports programs offer students at Norwich the opportunity to vent their competitive instinct in an organized environment.

"I enjoy playing basketball, but I could never play here, so it's nice to be able play for the intramural championship," said Denisio.

The intramural program also gives students the opportunity to take on leadership roles as members of administration in the leagues. Students who show leadership qualities are given opportunities to organize tournaments as well as to act as officials during the contests.

"I would be lost without the help from the students that I receive. The students are the people that truly allow the programs to continue," explained Stowell.

"I have participated in the intramural sports every year, and this year I have been given the opportunity to referee when I am not playing. It's a nice environment to get paid to be around," stated Christopher Cook, 21, a junior criminal justice major from South Boston, Mass.

With nearly 300 students participating in the winter intramural sports program, many students enjoy having something to look forward to during the long dreary months of winter.

"I know every year what team we are going to have to beat if we want to win the basketball championship, and that creates good competition, because we truly want to beat them; otherwise, we will have to listen to them all year long," said Brendon O'Brian, 22, a senior physical education major from Waltham, Mass.

With the intramural sports programs working on a limited budget, the equipment that is used by the students is of high quality with little complaints amongst the students.

"It's great; the referees have striped shirts; we have scoreboards and jerseys. The equipment is in good shape, and the programs are well organized," stated Cook.

"We are always looking for new ideas, if anyone is looking to start something new to add to the program, we are open for suggestions. We just started team pool and we are looking to have a ping-pong tournament. Everyone that participates seems to enjoy themselves," said Stowell.

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