At The University of Olivet, students have opportunities to develop leadership and team building skills as members of more than 60 student clubs and organizations, 27 athletic teams, 11 Greek houses and many other groups, creating a vibrant and diverse student life experience. Intramural athletics are no exception. Available in both the fall and spring, Comets can join a number of intramural teams that provide an outlet for stress relief, a platform to make new connections and a place for fun exercise.
Shipherd Hall director Kelly Patmore ’14, dually serving as intramural sports coordinator, jumped at the chance to return to his alma mater to serve on the student life team, crediting the opportunities he had as a student for his positive experience as a Comet. ”Intramural sports are vital to the livelihood of this campus in that it creates a space for our diverse student body to come together in competition, creating new bonds and strengthening old ones,” Kelly explained. “The mission of intramural sports is to promote one’s health, allowing us to enhance the student’s ability to have positive interactions with the campus, both in the classroom and outside of it.”
Dodgeball, volleyball and soccer are a few of the teams students have the chance to join, with both fan and team favorites flag football and basketball garnering the most players, biggest crowds and highest intensity. Groups or individuals may sign up for male, female or co-ed teams, and this spring, a new program, IMLeagues, is organizing registration and scheduling, allowing students to seamlessly communicate with their teammates and captains, sign up for games and more.
“I’m now entering my second semester in the capacity of intramural sports coordinator. My main responsibilities are to create the schedule, train our student officials, manage any disputes (scores, enforcement of rules), and identify ways our department can grow in order to enhance the student experience,” Kelly said. “As we transition to using IMLeagues, it will allow us to more efficiently register participants and teams, schedule games, communicate with students, and collect data. It will also allow us to have a central location for students to find news and view photos of the events, and manage special one-time tournaments like wiffleball or ultimate frisbee. There is also an app that will allow participants to check their schedules and communicate with their teams.”
Senior Airic Boyce, an insurance and risk management major with a minor in claims investigation, was originally interested in playing intramural sports as a hobby, but saw the potential to build his leadership skills with the intramural program as well. Airic served as an intramural referee during his freshman year, and has since worked as a manager. Currently, he’s taken on greater responsibilities to assist Kelly in planning and scheduling games, and even fills in to referee as needed.
“Everyone loves playing intramurals and campus just wouldn’t be the same without them,” Airic emphasized. “It is just a lot of fun and a great way to give my mind a break from studying for a few hours a week. My favorite part about participating is competing with the team my Greek house created. We’re normally pretty good so it’s really competitive when we go against other Greek houses. It’s also a way to meet new people.”
Whether you’re a team or individual, male or female, there’s an intramural team for you! Registration for spring intramural sports is open through Jan. 26, and the season will begin Feb. 5. Check out IMLeagues to register, or contact Kelly at kpatmore@uolivet.edu for more information.
Visit The University of Olivet to see campus for yourself, and learn about student life opportunities like intramural sports. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more.