Providing Friendly Competition Many Participate in Intramurals Women 's athletics have come a long way since the days that intramurals were first introduced on the Harding campus. The competition level has elevated, along with the continuing commitment to excellence that Barbara Barnes, women 's intamural director, puts into the program. "I enjoy playing intramurals here because of all of the love everyone shows toward each other, " said sophomore Lisa Grove . While competition seemed to push the men's program to give it their all, women generally chose to play because of the positive experience that comes from intramurals. For almost 30 years, Barnes has run the program, help ing participants make lasting relationships in a way that is not experienced at a more competitive level. She emphasizes that intramurals give young women a chance to continue to play sports, even though they may not p lay well enough to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Barnes and her assistants put in many hours of work to ensure a topnotch program. During the fall semester, the women participated in softball, football and volleyball. Springtime brought on basketball , more softball, and track and field. For women who take their athletics more seriously, the program provided other positives. Participants worked to win intramural jackets and/ or trophies. For every event that the student participated in, points were accumulated. The point totals varied with each sport played and the place the team finished. At the encl of the year, a number of young women were honored because of their athletic accomplishments. About 75 percent of the women students part icipate in intramurals and cl u b sports. "Participation has been high because the program has encouraged all women to participate, without worrying abou t how well they perform, " Barnes said. "Above all ,we emphasize having a good time. " - Kenneth Hightower ~pation. bas been high because the program has .'!JJ;<r:,aged all women toJlarticipate)without won);ing about l[theyperform. Above al~ we emphasize havinga good - Barbara Barnes, director ef women's inttamurals · Wendy Cooper runs the ball down the field. with Stephanie Smith closing in. Intramural sportsprovided women with a positive experience. Photo byJason Burt. j oy Cartergets in position to hit a home run. Many womenparticipated in the intramural program. Photo byjason Burt. Women's Intrarmurals Sports 269
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