Intramural Sports picking up this semester

The intramural sports season of the recreational center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is underway.

The intramural sports season started up last week. The events are hosted and operated by the staff of the recreation center along with the help of volunteer referees. The referees are typically students around the campus. Basketball, cricket, racquetball, and kickball are just some of the sports that have tournaments.

Participation is at an all-time high with 495 students enrolled in intramural sports teams so far. Some may think little work goes into organizing these events, but it takes training to prepare all staff for intramurals.

The intramural sports staff works to make sure the games are played fairly and directed by trained officials.

“Making sure the rules are right [is important]. [We are] making sure our new officials and new supervisors understand and are getting trained right, but overall, we’re prepared, we’re ready for most things thrown our way. If not, I know I can count on them to be able to get the right answer from somebody,” Assistant Director of Competitive Sports Carlos Diaz said.

Of course, if you don’t have much time to attend multiple games throughout the semester, there are tournaments held every Wednesday and are free of charge for participants. All that is asked is that a student has his or her student ID. If anything, stop by and watch schoolmates participate and enjoy some entertainment.

The intramurals staff is hoping to get more students involved with the tournaments.

“We’re just looking for overall increasing participation,” said Roque Cortinas, an assistant supervisor.

Students participating in the tournaments have nothing but positive things to say about it.

“I like it, it’s a fun environment,” said Cassandra Tijerina, who plays in the flag football games, volleyball, and softball.

The intramural sports coordinators require all student to register for these sports online at IMLeagues.com. However, there are deadlines for registration.