Many participate in intramurals under new director, Jim Gowen The spirit of competition drove many male students to participate in intramural and club sports this year under the new men's intramural director, Jim Gowen. After working in the public school system for 19 years, Gowen joined the Harding family this year. "I always wanted to be at Harding; it was a goal of mine to serve the university. This position gave me the opportunity," he said. Students were encouraged to participate in the program for competition in athletic events in a Christian environment . The opportunities to socialize, to be a part of a team or compete in individual events caused many students to take part in the fun. "My job is to encourage participation, organize, supervise and schedule all men's intramural and club sports," Gowen said. The premise behind the program has always been to provide an opportunity for students to participate in different physical activities that will carry over long after graduation. Another goal of the program is to help teach the participants how to work as a team, show good sportsmanship and become better Christians through friendly competition. "Students reap many rewards through involvement in intramural athletics. Blane Covert returns a powerful serve in the men's singles championship. Students enjoyed athletic competition in a Christian environment. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. 282 Men's Intramurals Besides the opportunity for socialization, wholesome physical activity, athletic competition and development of a lifetime interest in sports, students have the opportunity to receive intramural awards," Gowen said. "I had a lot of fun playing intramurals, but I sometimes laugh at some people who take it way too seriously. It's intramurals; it's fun," sophomore Greg Massey said. Intramural competition gave non-club members the same opportunities for participation in team sports that clubs enjoyed. Students signed up andwere placed on teams according to ability and past experience. They also participated in singles sports , including tennis, swimming and racquetball. The winner of each event received a trophy. Competitions gave students the chance to show offtheir athletic skills in the football distance throw, archery, the softball distance throw and in basketball free-throw contests. Fair play and sportsmanship were encouraged and enforced. The benefits of wholesome recreation with teammates, opponents and officials helped develop social skills as well as sports skills. - Lance Lemmonds
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