Greeks participate in intramurals as a way to make the best of their Greek experience.
Intramural games start this week.

It’s that time of the year, again. Multiple times a semester, different intramural sports become available to Purdue students. During the week of March 24 to March 28, those sports swing into action. 

As a Greek community, we consist of many aspects that make us who we are. We are organizations that love our brotherhood/sisterhood, engage in philanthropy and strive for opportunity, and that includes playing intramural sports. This is our time to shine with the abilities we had in high school, that we don’t get to use now. It’s our time to be active and competitive, associate ourselves with other chapters and it's creative bonding time with our individual members. 

Throughout my entire childhood I was a softball player. The past 13 years of my life consisted of competitive and travel softball and, with college, this passion fell to the wayside. Thanks to Purdue and the opportunities it gives us to play at different levels, I can keep my childhood hobby alive. My experience is not uncommon.

Lexi Gudeman, an Alpha Phi, has signed up for basketball, sand volleyball, indoor volleyball and soccer. As an athlete in high school, she missed sports way too much to not join a few intramurals in her spare time. “It’s a blast and also a huge stress reliever for me, “ Gudeman says. She believes it’s an excellent way to get away from studies for a few hours and burn some energy.

Some students like to join as many sports as possible. Collin Seren, Delta Tau Delta, is one to play them all. He likes the fact that intramural sports give him something to do during the week. For many students Greek competition is the motivation to play intramural sports. “The best part is being able to be competitive with the other Greek houses,” Seren says.

Zeta Tau Alphas, Kelly Williams and Sarah Westerback are participating in dodge ball this semester. In the past, Williams participated in volleyball and being able to play again means a lot to her. “Intramurals give me a chance to get exercise, but have fun while doing it, unlike running on a treadmill,” Williams says. She also agrees with Seren. She loves the competition among the Greeks. “The best part about playing intramurals is that everyone gets to compete on a friendly basis. You don’t necessarily see that everywhere else,” Williams says. 

Westerback has participated in indoor soccer and flag football. Having played sports her entire life, she said the best part for her is that she can be competitive again – "Zeta needed my competitiveness!" 

Zeta’s Intramural Chair, Briana Smith, is not only managing the sports, but also participates. Smith is playing sand volleyball, dodge ball and softball this semester. “The best part about playing intramurals is that it helps me to relive the glory days of high school,” Smith says.

Playing intramural sports is probably one of the easiest ways to exercise and you can also have a good time while doing it. Getting yourself to the gym is painful in the colder months, so get out there and sign up to play your favorite sports. There’s no better way to spend time with members of your chapter and get to know the other chapters you’re competing against. It’s as competitive as you want it to be and as time-consuming as you make it. 

Sign up for some intramurals and make the best of your Greek experience. 

To sign up, go to http://www.purdue.edu/recsports/programs/intramural_sports/ . Make sure you create an IM leagues account, which is super easy. If you need help there’s plenty of instruction on the website and the people in the Intramural Office are very helpful.