Intramurals provide fun for all athletes

Are you ready to rumble?

The intramural squads at Tufts sure are. Spring brings with it not only allergies, daylight savings time, and another Ken Griffey Jr. injury, but a steady diet of intramural athletic competition as well. Squads will compete for glory and bragging rights in flag football, tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball, field hockey, and, of course, badminton.

Professional and varsity athletes are discouraged from participating in their respective intramural sports. Only one member of any given intramurals team may be on the varsity team in that sport. Also, those suspected of involvement with THG or BALCO company in general are also not allowed to compete. Teams are entered into competition for a $30 fee, most of which is spent on equipment and officials; any team of sufficient size and monetary backing is welcome.

One may wonder why these athletes compete in intramural sports instead of the more traditional, organized forms of varsity. The reasons are many. For one, intramural sports bring with them a much smaller time commitment. Others dislike the intensity of varsity sports. Some intramural athletes have more personal reasons.

"I play [intramural] soccer to get chicks," sophomore Brett Gewirtzman said. "I don't have time to play varsity, I've got classes to attend."

By playoff time, however, intramurals can get just as intense and competitive as varsity sports.

"There's a lot at stake when the playoffs come around," sophomore Daniel Crenshaw said. "I need to spend five or six hours sitting in a dark room mentally preparing myself for the games; getting my game face on."

This intramural season promises something for everyone, casual and more competitive athletes alike. For those seeking a smaller time investment sport, intramurals are a good option. This season should be another interesting one, and updates on scores, games, and teams will be published in the following weeks. Get ready to rumble.