We’re well into the swing of things now. But in some ways, it feels like the year hasn’t quite started yet: Block 1’s deplorable lack of intramural sports has left us waiting. The extension of our offseason into the year feels quite unfair and without being able to report on intramural sports (IM), we have felt like the Love Island contestants who return from the island and try desperately to stay relevant.
Welcome back to The Circuit, where Anya Potsiadlo ‘27 and Lilly Henderson ‘27 report on every little piece of information, gossip, hearsay and scandal we can get our hands on in the dramatic world of Colorado College intramural sports.
There is something in the air this week and as the weekend approaches, a much-needed reprieve from our lack of intramurals finally feels within reach. The Second Saturday series happens once each block and always starts with a bang: sand volleyball. Teams play on the Mathias and South courts with four people on the court at once. It’s the first chance of the year to win the most coveted garment on campus and perhaps the entire state of Colo. – an intramural champions shirt. First-years, you’ve surely been here long enough to see these around and think ‘Wow, I hope I can someday be as cool as the person wearing that.’ If flair is the CC word of choice for clothing that makes you feel silly, whimsical and lighthearted, then consider the IM champions shirt the exact opposite. It exemplifies the grit, hard work, strength of character and tenacity that is required to become an intramural champion at CC.
We took a second to chat with Director of Recreation and Fitness Services Chris Starr and Fitness Center Assistant Director Andy Obringer about our shared excitement for the inaugural event of the intramural year. As far as IMs are concerned, Starr and Obringer run the show. Thanks to them, we get to return to our favorite IM traditions year after year. Well, except those which have repeatedly had low success. Campus Golf will not be returning this year due to a low sign-up and high-visit-to-Christina-the-atheltic-trainer ratio.
Despite this, however, Starr and Obringer are excited for intramural sports, specifically the Second Saturdays and here is the schedule: Block 2 is hamsterball soccer, Block 3 is cornhole, Block 4 is pickleball, Block 5 regatta, Block 6 pickleball, Block 7 cornhole and of course Block 8, grass volleyball. While at this point in the article we are sure you are all giddy with excitement, here are some words of advice: utilize this liberal arts education and be creative when it comes to team names.
“We are implementing a new policy this year, if it’s a lame team name, we’re gonna send it back,” says Starr. So be funny, be suggestive and get ready to watch laughter erupt as your team is called up to play.
In the spirit of campus games, this Friday, Sept. 4th, you can get a little taste of the aforementioned hamsterball soccer and pickleball at Worner After Dark. A campuswide activity on Worner Quad, this is the perfect time to show everybody what you’ve got and get hungry for Rastall’s midnight breakfast after the games conclude. Rumor has it, you might just see us there from 6-9 p.m.
While we’ve discussed how Block 1 is a time for settling back into campus and meeting new people, we do hope these new friends want to kick around a soccer ball, play quarterback and serve an ace. Why, you may be wondering? Because Block 2 is the start of outdoor soccer, flag football and indoor volleyball, and we can’t wait to see you there.