A love for sports is a must to be involved in women's intramuals Harding's heritage has always been and continues to be important. Aspecial part of that enduring heritage is the women's intramural sports program. Since before the arrival of Harding in Searcy, the program has been one of the hallmarks of the campus, with its roots reaching back to Galloway Women 's College, which originally occupied Harding's location in Searcy. "The women's intramural program really is a great tradition to uphold," program director Barbara Barnes said. Now in her 31st year as director, Barnes has witnessed manywomen of all backgrounds gathering together for the excitement and camaraderie that come from the regular competitions. Opportunities were plentiful this year. Participants in individual competitions extended their best efforts in the lightning-quick showdowns of tennis, racquetball and badminton. With their combat on the volleyball and basketball courts and softball field, team players performed with comparable action. "We try to have a wide variety of things so that there will be something for everyone, "Barnes said. "Winning is important, but we hope to instill a sense of sportsmanship even more, " Barnes said. The intramural competition was a great benefit to many Harding women. Sophomore Tonya Glosser was one of many who enjoyed being a part of the action. "Coming from a small school like I did, " Glosser said, "it's nice to be able to have a fast way to meet people. It's also completely different from what you'll find in any class or social club." Senior Rebecca Elliott said, "I love sports. That sounds generic, but intramurals give me the chance to play lots of different sports. You get to know people and to be part of a team." The different atmosphere and mix of people of which Glosser spoke was one factor that attracted many women to the intramural program. Another attraction was the competition itself. "You have to love to compete. The competition is fierce on an intramural softball field," senior Heather Allison said. In addition to the friends to be made and fun to be had, each participant in intramurals accumulated points throughout the year. These points were collected toward the overall goal of the top prize - a plaque and a jacket presented at the end of the year in a special chapel program. Points were given for entering different events, participating on a championship team, and serving as a team captain or official. Despite the minor victories and defeats, all participants in women 's intramuralswerewinners - contributing to the shared fellowship and continuing Harding's strong athletic tradition. "I think that this is a wonderful thing we can do," Barnes said, "because it not only makes them [the participants] stronger physically but spiritually, too. It makes a very positive impact to share experiences like this, and I'm pleased they have chance to do it here. " - Eric Rodgers Kelley Curtis fights to make a pass. Women 's intramurals was a great opportunity to meet new people. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Women's Intramurals ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~S-po-r-ts~,.,. 275
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==