A small minority of UMass Boston students play a varsity sport. These elite scholar-athletes are bred to develop the bodies of gods and the spirits of warriors. So that the rest of we mortal eggheads do not become comparatively flabby girly-men and girly-women, the university offers an assortment of intramural and recreational sporting activities diverse enough so that everyone is sure to find something of interest. Students have a wide variety of options to stay fit that range from indoor recreation activities to tournaments to non-varsity sports leagues.
Rick Sledzik, UMB’s Intramural & Recreation Program Manager, has put together the schedule this fall and by Zeus, I tell you that he has jam-packed the calendar with goodness! In the next month alone, intramural options include Soccer, Racquetball, Softball, Basketball, Dodgeball, and the Duathalon. The meditative-minded student will enjoy weekly offerings of both Tai Chi and Yoga.
Consider: participating in intramural/recreational sports gives you a chance to kick it on campus, outside the typical academic environment. You can bring along classmates but you will probably meet a bunch of people you’ve never taken classes with. They’re co-ed, open to everyone, and best of all, you already paid for it because it’s covered by the Athletics Fee that every student pays. Long story short, you get all the benefits of a great workout while having a good time at no cost.
“You don’t have to be a superstar,” explains Sledzik. “All skill levels are encouraged to sign up. You can be average or below average.” In other words – don’t be bashful to try something unfamiliar.
September Intramural CalendarYoga Mixed-level ‘Yoga for ALL’ is for beginners as well as experienced students. Instructor Kristie Karlof promises to show the keys to increasing “strength, flexibility, calm, and overall well-being.” Mats are provided gratis. Wear loose and comfy clothing. Namaste! Tuesdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. McCormack 1 floor, Beacon Fitness Center.
Tai ChiStudy the Eastern discipline that has been called ‘meditation in motion.’ Instructor Benjamin Wang has nearly two decades of martial arts experience under his third degree black belt. Reduce stress. Promote balance and flexibility. Learn some funky moves. Thursdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. McCormack 1 floor, Beacon Fitness Center.
Soccer 3 on 3 LeagueGlory awaits you and your teammates on the soccer field behind Quinn administration building. No headbutting please. Mondays, 12 p.m., starting September 18. Drop off a team roster at Beacon Fitness Center in McCormack or e-mail your roster along with your name and telephone number to [email protected].
Racquetball LeagueA fast-paced game that is easy to learn but takes years to master. Come down to the Beacon Fitness Center and play for the first time. Or if you are an experienced player, this will be a perfect time to try out those fiendish jam serves you dreamt up this summer. Sign up ASAP so you don’t miss out! Choose from two leagues: Mondays at 12:00 p.m., beginning September 18. Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m., starting September 20. McCormack – First floor, Beacon Fitness Center Racquetball Courts.
SoftballIf you’ve ever seen Olympic softball, you know this game rocks. Pick up games and/or batting practice offered. Tuesdays at 12 noon, starting September 19. Clark Athletic Center Softball Field.
DuathalonA timed event consisting of 10 laps in the swimming pool followed by a 1.5 mile run on the UMass Boston campus, the Duathalon is for the aspiring ironwomen and ironmen of our student body. The top three male and female participants will receive T-shirts. Arrive by 3:45 p.m. on September 21 at the Clark Athletic Center Swimming Pool.
Dodgeball 3 on 3Even if you have no personal Globo Gym to take on, 3 on 3 Dodgeball is guaranteed to stir your spirits. If you forget how to play, they’ll remind you at no extra cost. Then you make them dance. No word on whether Patches O’Houlihan will be in attendance. Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m., beginning September 19. Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., beginning September 28. McCormack – First floor, Beacon Fitness Center Racquetball Courts.
Basketball 3 on 3The game from Massachusetts has gone global. Assemble your own team and lead them to the intramural Promised Land. Or elect another visionary to take the helm so you can concentrate on your dunking game. Maybe you have what it takes to become the first ballplayer ever to obtain a major sneaker endorsement for intramural play. Find out Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m., starting Oct 2. Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium. Drop off a team roster at Beacon Fitness Center in McCormack or e-mail your roster along with your name and telephone number to [email protected].