The process of streamlining intramural sports began in earnest when assistant professor of kinesiology Tom Ritchie took over the position of women's intramurals and club sports director in fall2010. Ritchie moved to Searcy in August 2008 as a professor for the College of Science's kinesiology department. Three years later, Ritchie accepted the position of women's intramural director and prepared to make intramurals easier for students to participate in. According to Ritchie, his degrees in education and physical education helped prepare him for the task ahead. "I have a great deal of experience in sports and recreation, having coached over 50 seasons of high school sports," Ritchie said. Focusing on increasing communication rather than changing rules, Ritchie added a Google calendar for the team, as well as posts on the new Pipeline Whiteboard, for better intramural organization. "I think Mr. Ritchie is doing a wonderful job with women's club and intramural sports," senior Amanda Dorsey said. "He has been wonderful to work with, especially by scheduling games around some of our club functions. He also has been good about letting us know when games are and giving us plenty of time to let the girls know when they play." Along with the communication changes, Ritchie hoped to offer more activities for intramural athletes in addition to the club sports currently offered. "We are reaching out to our graduate programs, such as the College of Pharmacy, to provide opportunities for all our students," Ritchie said. Dorsey added that Ritchie's new program also hired referees instead of having club athletic directors find refs. "[Ritchie] helps a ton and keeps everyone's schedules a little less hectic," Dorsey said. Ryan Orr 3 4 student life
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