University students and staff participate every year in intramural sports; the most popular, co-recreational soccer
By John McCarty
In the off-season void left by the men's and women's soccer teams, UP students are getting their fútbol fix playing intramural co-recreational soccer, though the intramural program offers a vareity of sports for the University community.
According to Brian Dezzani, director of Recreational Services, the intramural soccer program is running smoothly, and the players are happy with the officials and the fields.
"Intramural soccer is a blast, its not quite as serious as club but still competitive enough to keep it interesting," sophomore Zach McMullen said. "At first it's kind of weird playing with girls, though. It definitely gives the game a different vibe."
McMullen plays for the division one team Feminthea, with sophomore Erica Havey, a member of the women's club soccer team.
According to Havey, playing with boys is part of what makes intramurals so fun.
"I love it, but guys hate it," Havey said. "They feel like they have to tiptoe around us, but if they hit me I'm pretty sure they are going to be the ones getting hurt."
The number of club soccer players allowed on a team depends on the division. D1 teams can have up to three club players, while D2 teams are only allowed to have one. According to Dezzani, "These rules help keep each league at the level it is designed for."
Junior Ryan Alice, the head coach of the D2 team The Wolfpack, disagrees with the rule limiting the number of club players because it is often difficult to get enough girls to play. According to Alice, small roster size is a problem and scheduling conflicts often make it difficult for all players to attend games.
"There are a lot of club girls who love the game but can't play because D2 only allows one club player per team, and most teams don't want their one club player to be a girl," Alice said.
With twelve teams total, Division 2 is separated into north and south subsections, and Alice thinks that it would be beneficial to have a separate men's league.
Dezzani is opposed to the idea, "We've been successful as co-rec, and we've had to drop men's soccer in the past because of bad behavior."
Whether students are playing for the championship t-shirts or just for fun, intramural sports continue to be immensely popular.
"The year is almost over and finals are right around the corner. Intramurals are a great way to relieve stress and stay sane," McMullen said.
"Besides, who wouldn't rather play sports instead of doing homework anyway?"
