Column: Intramurals Are a Vital Part of the Loyola Experience

Intramural sports at Loyola are often seen as a fun and casual way to play sports while spending time with friends. The Halas Recreation Center offers two leagues — competitive and recreational. As anybody that plays intramural sports has quickly found out, the distinction is in name only. 

In my three years participating in intramural sports, I’ve been on 10 different teams — full of friends, coworkers and enemies — in four different sports across the two leagues. During that time, I’ve learned there’s no such thing as meaningless competition, as the intensity I’ve witnessed in intramurals rivals that of our student-athletes. 

Games are high-energy, high-effort and the stakes become very real when you’re in the moment.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve yearned for competition. In my youth, I’d tried just about every sport you can think of — from basketball, soccer, karate, swimming, rowing, tennis, golf, track and field, cross country, t-ball, skiing and snowboarding. 

Admittedly, I wasn’t particularly good at any of these sports, usually just good enough to blend in with the rest of the kids. While the reality of my talent may have prevented me from going Division 1, it makes me the perfect candidate for intramurals. 

When I look back on my time at Loyola, I’m more likely to remember my intramural statistics than my financial accounting or consumer behavior classes. Events like scoring a career-high six points while pulling down eight rebounds in basketball and scoring two goals in a game in soccer — even the time I was dunked on by a six-foot man while we were down 30 — will live on in my memory. 

Although anyone can analyze a financial statement, far fewer people can get a steal and then go coast to coast for a quick two.

Intramurals are also the perfect place to get real-world experience. During play, you find out how well you work under pressure and how to communicate with others while emotions are high.

Last year, in co-ed volleyball, a Halas official made extremely questionable calls in our game. Despite the matchup being the deciding factor for our playoff dreams, she was distracted by her phone. 

A kill for my team was disregarded, as neither of the line judges saw where the ball landed. I looked past it. A held ball error, committed by myself, also went unnoticed. I gracefully let this one go as well. 

But when the opposing team’s ball landed egregiously out of bounds and she still ruled it in, I couldn’t stay quiet. 

Her only response was “I didn’t see it”.

While I don’t remember my exact reaction, my teammates later referred to it as the time when I “yelled at the ref”. 

Shocked at their version of events, I turned around, went back to Halas and back up to the courts to apologize to the ref and explain I had unfortunately let the fire of intramural volleyball get to me. 

During my apology, she admitted that she “probably got a few of the calls wrong” — an admission I had to pretend not to hear for my own wellbeing.  

In intramurals, you also learn the importance of strong leadership, determination and heart. While co-ed volleyball may not be the end-all be-all, there’s no doubt it prepares you for real-life situations.

It’s easy to dismiss intramurals as just a casual way to spend a Tuesday night, when in reality, intramurals are a way to compete in skilled matchups, put in effort and leave with life-long lessons and memories. While we get champion t-shirts instead of gold rings, the effort and dedication that goes into these games are just as real.

Intramurals provide a break from the mundanity of college life and give students an environment that promotes growth and community. You don’t have to be a former athlete to play — all you need is a willingness to participate, determination and a love for the game.

Next time you get an email advertising to sign up for intramurals, make a team. Even if you’ve never played the sport or have played with little success, you’ll discover the rewards outweigh any potential fears and doubts. Intramural sports are more than just games, they’re a way to experience the best of what college has to offer.