Various levels offered in m.en's intram.urals This year, approximately 65 percent of the male student body participated in at least one intramural sport, according to intramural athletic director Jim Gowen. There are many reasons why so many male students competed in intramurals. "There are several physical and social aspects as to why men participate, such as getting to mei t new people, being competitive while playing the sports they li ke and getting more exercise," Gowen said. "I play intramurals for the fun of it, to get some exercise and because I really like to compete in the different sports, " said sophomore Jared Lillard, who competed in basketball and softball. "I enjoy playing basketball , tennis and ping pong, so I compete in them through intramurals," senior Jamie McClay said. Another reason that men competed in intramurals was that they played these sports in high school and didn 't want to stop playingjust because theywere not involved in intercollegiate play. Intramurals gave them a chance to keep competing. "Intramurals gives men the opportunity to continue to play on their level of competition in the sports they competed in in high school. For instance, in basketball, we offer a major and a minor level of competition, so everyone has the opportunity to compete, " Gowen said. "I really enjoy playing football, but since 1 can't play football on the collegiate leve l, I play intramural football, " senior Jay Brockman said. Senior Clay Ellison echoed Brockman's comments when he said, "I like playing intramurals for the competition and I want to be a part ofathletics even if it is not at the collegiate level." Even though playing intramurals took up a lot of free time, a lot of positive opportunities could be afforded through competing in intramurals. "Playing intramurals doesn't keep you confined to playing sports only with people in your club; you get to meet and play sports with new people," said sophomore Tim Johnston , who competed in volleyball, softball and ping pong. "One positive of playing intramurals is that you get to competewith friends while having fun in a relaxed atmosphere, " said senior Brett Davies, who competed in the cross country run, basketball, ping pong and racquetball. The best thing about the intramural program was that it allowed all students to participate. "Intramurals are designed to provide an opportunity for everyone to compete in athletics, whether they are in a club or not, " Gowen said. - Ryan Puckett "Intramurals are designed to provide an opportunity for everyone to compete in athletics, whether they are in a club or not." - Intramural Athletic Director Jim Gowen SeniorMatt Tibbles returns his opponent 's serve during an intramural game oftable tennis. Table tennis was one of the many individual events Harding 's intramural program provided. M EN'S I NTRANI URALS 239 •
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