Intramural Basketball Affords Aggressive Enjoyable – Whitman Wire

At Sherwood Athletic Center, Whitman’s Intramural basketball has taken off this spring semester, making a pleasant, aggressive ambiance amongst Whitman Students within the fast-paced and exhilarating staff sport of basketball. 

The Intramural basketball league is one in every of 10 Intramural sports that Whitman has established for college students on campus to have enjoyable, keep lively and meet new buddies. Within Intramural basketball, there are two divisions: Division I for extra aggressive recreation play, and Division II for informal competitors. Between these two divisions, Intramural basketball at Whitman ensures a spot for everybody, no matter their stage within the sport, to take part in a enjoyable and secure atmosphere.

Senior Will Steinhacker runs the Intramural basketball league, and his final aim is to create a neighborhood for everybody by it.

“I hope to get a bunch of people who have either played basketball competitively and want to keep playing or are new to it,” Steinhacker stated. “And [I want to] be able to organize an event and a league for them to go play with their friends and showcase what they can do. So far, it’s been a great opportunity for a lot of people to have fun playing basketball.” 

Rickie Lockett, one such first-year, expressed his appreciation for the Intramural basketball neighborhood and the truth that anybody can take part within the league.

“Everyone is fun to play with; everybody knows it’s just basketball,” Lockett stated. “I come out here and have some fun with my friends and have a good time.” 

Steinhacker hopes that the Intramural basketball neighborhood sustains itself and continues to evolve at Whitman. 

“Hopefully, we’ve got some people who carry it on as well and keep growing it,” Steinhacker stated. “If you didn’t do it this year, there’ll be an opportunity next year.” 

Since organized basketball is often a winter sport, the Intramural (IM) Committee organizes the basketball league within the early months of the spring semester. Tournament video games are held in pairs each Tuesday and Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional video games on Saturday as properly.

To enhance and broaden the league, Steinhacker needs to proceed to diversify the neighborhood inside Intramural basketball, particularly with regard to gender. 

“Right now, it’s pretty male-dominant,” Steinhacker stated. “We’re always looking for opportunities to bring [in] a little bit more gender diversity. Any outreach that we can do to let women know that it’s cool to play, [that] everyone’s welcome and everyone can compete [is important].” 

Sophomore Tsogtoo Batbaatar, a former IM Committee member, commented that the league’s lack of gender variety is an ongoing downside. 

“Many girls who I’ve talked to about this issue have discussed their concerns and discomfort with the lack of support,” Batbaatar stated in an electronic mail to The Wire. “They have each tried to recruit more of their friends to sign up along with them, but many don’t since they have no prior experience with the sport typically.” 

As the committee works to extend league participation amongst various constituencies, Steinhacker encourages college students to strive it out.

“Anyone can come play and have a good time,” Steinhacker stated. “If you don’t want to play, come watch your friends. People love it when their friends come out to support them. If you’re new to the school, it is a great way to meet new people and find a community that you get along with.” 

Lockett added that Intramural actions present a reprieve from on a regular basis school obligations.

“It’s a nice, fun little distraction from classes and all the other stress [of] college studies,” Lockett stated. “It’s nice that you get some exercise and do activities outside of any classes [or] clubs.” 

Along with the community-building it promotes and its reputation, Batbaatar believes that there’s nonetheless a lot work the IM Committee can do to raised the league. 

“Many view Intramural sports as a way to separate from the classroom and stay active,” Batbaatar stated. “However, I think the IM Committee needs to step up as a beacon for students. They need to show up and be more active for inclusion, fair gameplay and accountability.” 

This semester, the match started in early February and can run till May, giving college students a large timeframe to take part and make the most of the chance to seek out neighborhood and expertise one thing new.