Intramural sports are a way for students to exercise and let out their competitiveness, and Lydia Pond, the coordinator of recreation at North Central, loves them.
“They are my passion. I like to take people who have never played basketball and people who think they are in the NBA and put them together. I’m here until midnight most nights, but the students make it worthwhile,” said Pond.
Sports at the intramural level allow students to continue participating in what they enjoy. “I love basketball, I’ve played it since third grade,” said Steven Dinov (’16), who is playing intramural basketball. “(Intramurals) allow me to continue playing a sport a love and have fun with my friends,” continues Dinov.
Although there is no reward for winning, matches can get very competitive. “Depending on the opponent and the game, tempers can flare pretty high,” said Dinov.
The games can get competitive, but the players usually keep good sportsmanship. “We have had minimal instances where it has gotten out of control,” said Pond, “a lot of our (intramural) athletes are former high school athletes that appreciate getting to play again, so they do not want to blow it.”
It helps that there are referees watching over the matches too. “Referees work hard to make sure it’s not too aggressive, but (the games) are really intense,” said Angie Menefee (’18), who is playing intramural soccer.
Luckily for the participating athletes, Pond has experience with intramurals at a large university. “I brought all the policies and sports (from Eastern Illinois University) over to North Central College,” said Pond.
Intramurals are also a way for people to meet each other. “You can choose your team, but you also meet new people who share a passion for the sport you play and make new friends,” said Menefee.
Students spend a lot of time either in class or studying, so a little bit of exercise could be refreshing for them. “They are a nice break from studying and school,” said Menefee. “I could not imagine North Central College without intramurals,” said Pond.
