With all of the Texas A&M University- Kingsville (TAMUK) Fall sports starting up last week, it really feels like the Fall 2019 semester at (TAMUK) is officially underway. For (TAMUK) students specifically, intramural sports play a huge role in the student population. Intramurals at TAMUK are for anyone trying to blow off steam, reclaim their old glory days, get bragging rights around campus, meet new people or just have fun in a competitive setting.
The intramural sports staff at the TAMUK Rec have consistently been taking steps forward trying to provide the best overall and competitive experience for is participants. Staff members attempts to take corrective actions to ensure games run smoothly. They also strive to introduce new sports and games for the student population to try out. Last semester, they introduced rec-goers to archery tag and this semester, they have implemented pickle ball competitions.
Carlos Diaz, the man in charge of intramurals at TAMUK has put a lot of work into the RecSports program.
“We’re trying to work on our traditional sports right now,” said Diaz. “We’re also trying to implement newer sports like pickle ball. We’re trying to make sure dodgeball stays alive and bring back archery tag. That’s why we do those one-day tournaments. Whenever we have a new sport we test it out tournament style. Archery tag was a success so now we’re having a couple of archery tag tournaments coming up.”
TAMUK student Dalton Palmer commented on the quality of competition.
“The refs seem more unbiased. They’re calling fair calls. I think they’re trying to be more exclusive to this school and trying to get more people out there and involved,” said Palmer. “You have a better variety of sports and not just the normal western sports we’re all used to.”
Jorge Alicea, another student at TAMUK who participates in intramurals expressed his excitement for intramural competition.
“I never played 7 on 7 before. I’m excited considering I used to play in high school,” Alicea said.
Alicea also made note of his apprehension to become involved with unfamiliar sports.
“I wouldn’t really feel too comfortable playing those sports without a group of friends that I know,” Alicea said.
Students wishing to get involved should check out the intramural league website or visit the rec for registration information