Many students often worry about the infamous “fresh- man 15.”The lack of exercise and adapted unhealthy eating habits may cause students to gain weight their first year in college. “Being part any intramural team will allow students to exercise without realizing it. Taking part in intramural sports won’t only favor students health wise, but it would also benefit students socially by expanding their base of friends,” Maulin said.
Recreation and Sports Coordinator Shane Maulin en- courages students to participate in intramural sports.
“A lot of students need a release from stress from class- es and playing intramural sports is a great way to do so. Playing makes students feel good about themselves,” said Maulin.
Participation in intramural sports is free to students enrolled in at least six hours. Students must bring their lan– yards to participate.
Tyler Junior College offers a variety of intramural sports including three-on-three basketball, flag football and soccer. Slow pitch softball is also available and will be played with the City of Tyler.
Three-on-three basketball and flag football will be played in a bracket style tournament. This offers students a new experience in campus lifestyle, and the way they play sports. The champion team of the flag football tournament earns the opportunity to attend the regional tournament at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Meals, transportation and hotel fees will be provided by TJC.
An all-star flag football team will be formed from various players of the remaining teams. This brings another level of competition to the tournament. Several other prizes will be awarded to winners of other intramural sports.
Sophomore Carlos Garcia is particularly excited about the flag football tournament. This will be Garcia’s second year competing in the tournament.
“You get to let loose and just have fun. Everyone shows up to watch the games, and it provides students with a va- riety of extracurricular activities to choose from,” said Gar- cia.
Flag football tends to bring numerous fans to the stands. According to Maulin, up to 300 enthusiastic fans crowd the stands in Turf Field during flag football games.
Sophomore Hillary Shockley from Van doesn’t com- pete on a team, but never fails to see a game.
“I enjoyed being part of the excitement without hav- ing to participate in the games. You got to cheer on your friends and socialize,” said Shockley.
Each team participating in intramural sports will be competing for the Campus Cup. Trophies will be awarded at the annual leadership banquet at the end of the semester. The elite award will be given based on points acquired dur- ing the semester in each sport. Wacky uniforms, the number of wins, good spirit, and taking part in all six sports during the fall semester are ways to gain points.
