Intramural Program Initiates New Traditions

September 7, 2010

As OBU celebrates its first 100 years of tradition and achievement, new changes and traditions are starting in the McDowell Family Intramural Program. The goal of the initiatives is to become more student-friendly and to encourage more active participation in the OBU family, said David Gardner, OBU's new intramural sports director.

The intramural program will begin its 2010-11 season with men and women's flag on Thursday, Sept. 9. The program is now headed by OBU's Recreation and Wellness Center.

Gardner said he hopes that every student will participate in at least one intramural event, regardless of individual athletic ability. He also welcomes students to voice their opinions if they feel changes need to be made to the program.

In past years, about 600 OBU students and staff have participated in the program. Gardner hopes to increase that number significantly by introducing new features such as a competition for "Intramural King and Queen." Students will be awarded points based on sport participation and placement, sportsmanship and Christ-like behavior. At the end of the season, the 10 men and 10 women with the most points will go through a series of challenges which will ultimately determine the king and queen.

The program will also feature two new sports. Futsal (indoor soccer) will be offered this year, as well as eight-on-eight co-recreational flag football. If a student's favorite sport is not offered, Gardner encourages they suggest it so it may be added to the program.

Aside from the new changes, OBU will still offer the same popular intramural sports as before: flag football, volleyball, soccer, putt-putt golf, basketball, racquetball, tennis and bowling. J-Term intramurals will include a game based on a popular book series. There is truly something for everybody in the intramural program at OBU.