Intramural softball season begins

The first A&M-Commerce intramural softball games were played Tuesday night, as the new spring season got underway. A total of 26 teams in the women's, men's, and co-ed divisions will play at least three games at the Cain Sports Complex between now and April 14. Playoffs will then begin the following week.

"I'm not sure how many teams we had last year, but I would say they are probably pretty comparable numbers," Assistant Director for Intramural and Club Sports Michelle Wentzel said. "It's probably the most co-rec teams we've had in any sport for a while now. Normally we average about five or six."

Wentzel said there are 11 teams in the co-ed division this season.
With softball being played in the spring, the issue of rain has the potential to postpone games. Wentzel said the games were scheduled with this in mind, and she assures the recreational sports staff is doing their best to prevent a frustrating season.

"Hopefully, if we do have to reschedule, we can at least finish the season," she said. "I think that was a struggle they had last year, and I don't think softball even finished. I believe we incorporated about two weeks' flexibility to reschedule, so we cut it down to basically a three week season. Everyone is guaranteed at least three games."

She also said those in charge of calling off the games due to weather would attempt to do so in the timeliest manner possible.

"It depends on the rain, but if we get a downpour we normally call people as soon as we can, send out an e-mail, and also post it on Facebook," Wentzel said. "We try to wait as long as possible, but we try to do our best to keep in mind people traveling and keep that frustration down to a minimal."

According to Wentzel, about half of the around 150 games played on the Cain Sports Complex fields were affected by rain and inclement weather. While the fields did suffer to an extent, she is confident they are up to standards.

"The fields took quite a beating just because of the water," she said. "They held up pretty good for how we did reschedules, so the fields are, I would say, in excellent condition. Any rainfall we get has a pretty big impact because the ground is still pretty saturated."

Wentzel said she is confident the softball season will be carried out, which is positive not only for players but also potential fans. She said softball is a good sport for spectators, and encourages students to come watch.

"Basketball was the first out of all our sports that we had a packed gym," she said. "Softball, I'm hoping, will be kind of that same thing. It's more of a relaxed atmosphere and we have the setting for it with the bleachers. We're doing our best to try to be able to keep enticing the spectators to come out, because it makes it fun for everyone. I know it's fun for my staff and the players to have those big crowds out there cheering them on."

Senior health education major and intramural softball player Kevin Brooks also thinks it is beneficial for spectators to enjoy the games just as players do.

"It gives you something to look forward to, even if you just enjoy it," Brooks said. "If you like to support a baseball or softball team, then you're going to enjoy it no matter what."

Brooks said he likes the spring atmosphere of intramural softball the most, but other players get a different type of buzz.

"I'm a competitor; I love to compete," junior sports and recreation management major Robert Spencer said. "It's a chance to win something. As long as you stick to the principles of the game and everything, that's what makes it the best."

While the competitive nature of the sport is attractive to some, students like business management and English double-major Alison Goodwyn are less driven toward winning.

"I enjoy the fellowship, being with my friends, and getting out there and actually doing something," she said.