The IUS intramural sports teams meet every Sunday in the Activities Building to play basketball, as well as other sports.

The numbers of those who participate has risen over the past few years since Perry Brown, coordinator of intramural and the Fitness Center, started working at IU Southeast.

Hired in 2006, Brown has been involved with sports since his high school years.

“I always loved playing football and running track,” Brown said. “I always wanted a job where I can stay around it.”

In 2005, prior to Brown’s employment, intramural sports were not as popular as they are now.

With only five sports in the beginning, intramurals have grown to include basketball, volleyball, flag football, softball and Whiffle ball.

Although basketball still has the most participants, flag football is following right along.

Intramurals are free to participate in for IUS students.

For non-students, there is a $10 joining fee.

The fee goes toward money for the athletic budget, as well as helping the teams travel.

Paul Lodzik, strength and conditioning coach at the University of Louisville, came to participate in the intramural basketball games  with a few of his friends who invited him to join their team.

“I play basketball for recreational reasons, and it also keeps me in shape,” Lodzik said.

Perry said intramurals have mostly been dominated with males, and he hopes to get more women involved.

Julie Reder, psychology sophomore, said she decided she would be different from other females and participate.

“I grew up with a lot of brothers, so I’ve always been into sports,” Reder said. “I used to play volleyball in high school.”

Along with Brown, Reder said she would like to see more women get involved.

As of now, there are only three women’s teams out of all the intramural teams.

Jeff Farmer, IUS graduate, came out, Feb. 26, to watch his son, Daniel Farmer, participate in the 5-on-5 basketball game.

“I used to participate in intramurals when I was a student, as well,” Jeff Farmer said.

Intramural sports also give students the opportunity to experience being a referee.

Those who are eligible can use their time spent referring as a work study job.

Martez Dow, general studies sophomore, is currently one of the work study referees for intramurals sports.

Dow also plays for the IUS basketball team.

“I like reffing and being able to learn why certain calls are made,” Dow said.

Everyone who participates in intramural sports receives a free  T-shirt when the league is over.

Those involved in a fraternity, sorority or organization on campus receive “The Grenadier Cup.” Brown also gives a pizza party for everyone, as well.

Brown said participating in intramurals gives students the chance to stay involved on campus, while continuing to be active and meeting new people.

It is also another way for those who did not make a certain a team, to participate in a sporting activity.

By TALIAH SHABAZZ   

Staff

tshabazz@ius.edu