From the millions that watch the Super Bowl, to the dozens that turn out for t-ball games, Americans are consumed with the competition and excitement of sporting events.
Unfortunately for the majority of college students, collegiate athletics are but a dream. Thanks to the intramural sports offered by the Morris Recreation Center (MRC) at Texas A&M University-Commerce, all students can still compete, albeit on a smaller (although not necessarily less competitive) level.
Mike Chadee, the assistant director of intramural and club sports at the MRC, oversees the intramural sports at A&M-Commerce.
“Our League Sports this semester will be basketball and softball,” Chadee said. “They will consist of four to five week regular seasons followed by a playoff tournament to determine the champions. We will also have whiffleball, disc golf, indoor soccer, and sand volleyball tournaments.”
Not just a director, Chadee takes advantage of the opportunity to compete as well.
“I try to participate in as many of our events as I can, as it allows me to interact with the students as well as generate ideas and improve our programs,” Chadee said. “It also gives me an opportunity to gauge how much my skills have diminished from my days
as a student.”
Ball sports are easily the most well-attended intramural sports, but for fans of more unique competitions, Chadee has a few tricks up his sleeve.
“Basketball and softball are both very popular among our students,” Chadee said. “One of our newer events, Battleship Canoe Swamping, has really taken off as a student-favorite. I try to incorporate a couple new events each semester to keep the schedule exciting. This spring I added Rock, Paper, Scissors, Indoor Soccer, Disc Golf, and Wii Bowling.”
Not only does Chadee introduce new games each semester, he encourages students to come up with their own.
“If you are interested in joining these clubs or forming a club sport of your own get in touch with me and we will make it happen,” Chadee said.
Greek organizations on campus take a special interest in the intramural sports offered
each semester.
“We have a Greek division for the fraternities and sororities,” Chadee said.
This helps in another match.
“They receive points towards the Intramural Greek Cup based on participation and success in the Intramural Events,” he said.