Intramural sports offer fun away from class

The Saint Anselm campus full of commotion, as students settle back into the routine of classes and begin preparing for those long nights in the library. Easing into the routine of writing papers and reading may be stressful for many students, but numerous students have found a way to channel this energy into something enjoyable and healthy. The intramural sports program provides student's at every level with the opportunity to participate in athletic activities. The program offers activities that appeal to the student body including, men's and women's basketball, co-ed hockey, indoor soccer as well as floor hockey.

These programs attract hundreds of students who are interested in participating. Jeff Frechette, the director of intramural sports stated that "there are about 235 participants for intramural basketball and 130 participants for intramural ice hockey." Working alongside Frechette is Courtney McGrath who helps with hiring student workers, Donna Guimont and Ken Perkins who work on scheduling court and ice time, as well as Kevin Alderfer, an intern that oversees the athletics. This group of dedicated people makes it possible for intramural sports to run smoothly and efficiently.

Intramural sports are one of the many opportunities Saint Anselm offers students on campus. Students participate in these activities for a variety of reasons. This program allows students of any athletic level the chance to participate in athletics, provides an atmosphere where students can relax and also helps students connect to their peers. Frechette states that "students like participating in intramurals because it gives them a breather from school work and they get to play sports that they may have played in high school." Team Wolf Pack, coached by Ryan Slepoy and Molly Reynolds eagerly shared their experience playing intramural basketball. This team made up of mostly juniors have played together since their freshman year, Molly Gavin stated "we were all varsity basketball players in high school and we wanted to play and stay in shape but not have the stress of playing at the colligate level." Heather Curtin, junior states "its fun and a stress reliever. Once a week for an hour we get an opportunity to mess around. Our team has remained friends over the last three years but we've lived in different places and have had different roommates and this gives us an opportunity to hangout with our friends."

Many of these players find that while intramural sports give them the chance to relieve stress and spend time with friends they can also bring out people's competitive nature. Gavin states, "sometimes it's really relaxed and everyone has fun. Everyone is pretty much there to respect the sport and to play hard. It can get competitive and sometimes a little too competitive." These events are not only enjoyed by the students participating in them but are also other students who come to cheer on their friends and peers. Julie Cristello, junior explains that "people stop by to cheer on their friends and people from the gym stop in to watch the games."

Intramural sports are a great way for students to get involved on campus as well as to try something new in a relaxed setting. These activities are well coordinated by the staff and have become a prevailing part of student life here on the Saint Anselm campus.