Get in the Game with Intramural Sports

By Kalesha Monkou

Spectrum Staff Writer 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what’s intramural sports?” Google will tell you that, intramural sports are recreational sports organized within a particular institution, usually an educational institution, or a set geographic area.

If that’s not enough for you, Mark Guthrie, Bowie State University’s Director of Intramural Sports, will tell you its a way for everyone to participate in sports, if they didn’t make it onto their school team or if they just want to add a fitness component to their lives.

Currently, BSU has 11 intramural sports available for students. However, it’s not just for students, faculty and staff can participate in the on-campus activities as well. These activities range from kick boxing and yoga to organized basketball and football tournaments.

Guthrie said he tries to provide participants with a wide selection of sports and recreational activities for all fitness levels. If you don’t see a sport on the list that you would be willing to participate in, Guthrie said he is willing to listen to your suggestions and do as much research as needed to help facilitate your needs. But you need to do some work on your end as well because sports cost money and require more then just one or two people to participate.

To field a team, Guthrie said you'll need a minimum of 40 signatures from people who want to participate as well (however, this number may vary depending on how many people are required to play a particular sport) and they can’t all be seniors. You need to keep in mind that sports are a team effort, and if half of your players graduate there won't be anyone left to play against next year.

However, if you only want to participate in the on-campus activities during your off-hours, posters are placed all over campus showing the date, time and location of all the sports as well as the instructions for who will be leading each sport. Don't worry if you can't pay for any extra equipment, all equipment is provided by the institution.

So, go ahead join an intramural sport. They’re a fun and exciting way to make new friends, learn new skills, get fit and stay healthy. Kinda like gym class, but better.