With the majority of Cedarville students living on campus, student life is crucial. Getting engaged in the community allows for your 1000 Days at Cedarville to be that much better. One of my favorite ways to do so is through intramural sports, which are competitive yet casual sports leagues anyone can join. These are a great way to make friends and meet new people around campus. Additionally, there are so many intramural sports, making it very easy to find something that piques your interest. I have played in a multitude of intramural leagues, met some amazing people, and built lasting friendships, all while playing the sports I love. Building a community through the physical gifts God gave us is such a blessing, and intramurals are a great way to do that.
Brief Overview
Intramural sports primarily serve to foster a more engaged and connected student body on campus. Although they can get competitive, the main goal of these leagues is to have fun and get active. The intramurals are male, female, and co-ed, and they can either be arranged as league play or as a one-day tournament.
Last semester, for example, I participated in a golf scramble with some friends. This was a one-day event where we all met at the local golf course, played a scramble round, and competed for the best score against a dozen or so other teams.
League play is the more common of the two and includes sports like volleyball, basketball, soccer, pickleball, and many more. These leagues last about two months depending on the sport, and most of them have sub-divisions, allowing participants to choose between the “A league,” which is more competitive, and the “B league,” which is more casual. As the league progresses, your team attends a weekly game to compete for the best record (similar to the NFL). At the end of the intramural season, there is a bracket-style playoff, where your team’s placement is determined by your overall record for the season. These playoffs are only in the A league divisions. However, the top team in the B league (based on record) is entered into the playoffs as the bottom seed.
Benefits of Intramural Sports
Not only are intramural sports enjoyable, but they also yield several benefits. First and foremost, they allow you to develop strong friendships. Through participating in intramurals, I’ve met many great people that I have remained friends with well after the league. Whether they are on your team or the opposing side, everyone is out there to have fun and play the game they love while honoring God and respecting one another. Additionally, as new students move in, it can be difficult to acclimate to college and find a group they click with. Intramurals are a great way to do that because everyone can connect through a shared love of the sport.
When first moving into college, it can also be difficult to consistently get active, whether going for a run or lifting weights, especially when the school assignments start accumulating. Intramurals are a great way to combat that and allow yourself to engage in physical activity throughout the week. Signing up provides you with an obligation to show up for your team.
Finally, in addition to helping you stay active, intramural sports are also a fantastic stress reliever. School can be challenging at times, but having that group of people you meet up with weekly to play a sport you love is an amazing way to take your mind off the things that could be causing you stress.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved with intramural sports is incredibly simple. By visiting the Intramural webpage, you can find all the information you need. All the intramural sports are organized through the MyDUST portal, which that webpage also mentions. There you will find all the sign-ups, schedules, and deadlines for applications
When creating an intramural team, you need to ensure that you meet the requirements. These vary based on the sport and league. For instance, if you want to join a basketball team, you must register at least six players. If it’s a co-ed league, there is a specified number of boys/girls that need to be on the teams.
Additionally, you can participate in more than one intramural sport, as long as they aren’t the same sport and don’t conflict with other intramural schedules you are in.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, you must read the rules and regulations for the sport you’re signing up for. Even if you’ve played the sport recently, intramural rules can differ from the typical rules of the game.
Final Thoughts
I strongly encourage everyone to participate in an intramural league. It is a great opportunity to become involved in the community and build friendships. Playing these sports with a group of God-loving people is an excellent way to grow in your faith as well. Intramural sports provide a wonderful opportunity to use the gifts God has given you to strengthen your connection with others, stay active, and overall improve your 1000 Days here at Cedarville.
Major and Year of Graduation: Psychology major, class of 2027.
Favorite Study Spot: Either the lower library or HSC study rooms.
Favorite Music Artist: Almost Monday.
Favorite Quote: “If you only do what you can, you’ll never be more than you are now.”
What do You Like to do in Your Free Time? Workout and play any sport.
Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9.
Tags: #advice, #guide, #helpful, #intramuralsports, #studentguide, #studentlife, #students, #tips
Posted in: College Life, Lifestyle, Student Life