It’s that time of year when autumn provides the perfect opportunity to get outside before Houghton brings on the snowstorms. Intramural sports, often referred to as IM’s, provide that opportunity for all students. Participation in intramurals is covered in each student’s Experience Tech Fee, making them available at no extra cost. Some fall sports seasons have already begun, but there are also one day tournaments and seasons that start later in the semester. The sports that are being offered this semester are Softball, Sand Volleyball fours, Soccer fives, Flag Football, Ice Hockey, Disc Golf Singles, Spikeball, Cornhole, Pickleball, Co-Rec Basketball, Turkey Trot, Tennis Singles, three-on-three Basketball, Billiards, and Volleyball fours tournament.
Although a large number of students enjoy these activities, not many know about the faculty who set them up. The Director of Intramurals, Craig Pellizzaro, contributed his perspective on what he thinks intramurals add to campus life, “Intramural sports add a great sense of community and connection to Michigan Tech. They give students an opportunity to get active, meet new people, and compete in a fun, low-pressure environment outside the classroom.”
Many students have played sports in high school but hesitate when it comes to college because they are worried about the skill required or competitiveness. Pellizzaro wanted to emphasize that “you don’t need experience to participate! Intramurals are a great way to get active, meet people, and have fun in a relaxed environment.” For many students, their first introduction to a sport was through intramurals. With both competitive and non-competitive leagues available for many sports, there’s an option no matter what you’re looking for.
The most popular sports so far this season have been Sand Volleyball and Flag Football, both having over 300 participants. Anna Presseller, Junior Environmental Engineering student and co-ed intramural Sand Volleyball player, gave a clue as to what the popularity was about. “I like being involved because I get to meet new people and have fun with people I already know. It makes the school community feel closer knit and takes some of the weight off of academics.”
