The Johnsonian

Issue date: 1/24/07 Section: Lifestyles

Basketball is one of the most popular sports played during the intramural season at Winthrop. In addition to playing an elimination style tournament, students and staff can participate in a three-point shootout and a free throw competition.

It's time to grab a ball and put on your uniform. Intramural sports have begun at Winthrop and any student, staff or faculty member is welcome to join in on the competition.

The intramural sports program offers a variety of activities and encourages anyone to participate. Sports are set up in tournament fashion in which teams eliminate one another for the title of champion. Other sports offered through intramural also allow students to participate individually or as a dual sport.

"Intramural is open to anyone on Winthrop campus, which is great because if someone just wants to go have fun but not make the sport a daily thing, like someone on a scholarship has to do, then intramural is the way to go," Jason Bailey, a sophomore business management major, said.

Activities and sports run September through April, and there are a variety of choices. Although disc golf, billiards and the free throw competition have already occurred this academic year, other sports, such as tennis, Texas hold-em, spades and the homerun derby have yet to be played.

Although a variety of games are offered to students, softball and basketball are typically the most popular events with the highest interest.

"[Softball and basketball] are standard sport leagues that any school offers and they tend to be the more popular ones," Jaron Rider, program director of recreational sports and facilities, said. "We have soccer and tennis tournaments and then there are darts, ping pong and chess among others."

Yet, if students wish to be involved with the games but not actually play, there is another option. Students can sign up to be an official referee at the games. However, the official must study the rules of the game and be an expert on the sport they are watching. Also, among other conditions, officials must attend all pre-season clinics.

"I've always been more of a viewer than a player, but being an official for a game sounds like it would be fun, and I would feel more involved in the game then just simply watching," Allison Goforth, a freshman chemistry major, said. "It's basically as close to the action as you can get without actually being in the game."

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