A good way to meet new people and have fun in a safe, competitive environment, students said, is by participating in Intramural sports on campus. Every Monday through Thursday, the Intramurals program hosts a wide variety of activities from Ping-Pong to water polo. “I think it’s really fun,” said Danna Usevitch, a math education major from Arizona, “because it gives students a chance to play sports, even if they’re not good enough to be on the school team.” Hoonani Apo, an exercise and sports science major from Laie, said, “Intramurals is fun because it’s a social event. You get to play sports for those who love to play or just to get active.” The staff members said there is no required skill level or prior experience expected from new players. “It’s a lot of fun and creates a good environment,” said Nate McKinney, a hospitality and tourism management major from California. “It’s obviously students from around the world who are playing the same sport, so it’s kind of cool to see them all just come and bond over one sport, even though they’ve never met before that.” McKinney said he has worked with the Intramurals program for a year and enjoys playing and watching others play. “It’s fun to kind of coordinate it all,” he said, but can be frustrating “because you get all the angry people.” The staff members said they try to create a controlled environment of competition where students can have fun and meet new people, but also enjoy a good game of basketball. Intramurals has offered soccer, Ping-Pong, all kinds of basketball, volleyball, rugby, racquetball, tennis and even inner-tube water polo. The programs are limited by the amounts of people who come out to participate. “This summer we were doing rugby, but nobody showed up so we canceled it,” said McKinney. “If we don’t get enough people three weeks in, we cut it.” Staff members said a lot of students are regulars at the Intramural events, but they said they do not want that to scare off people who love to play. “It may seem intimidating,” said Apo, “but you’ll learn. You’ll enjoy being around everyone. They get a little competitive, but it’s all fun.” She said she has enjoyed the Intramurals program for four years and loves playing volleyball whenever it is offered. Students who are nervous about not being able to play well or not knowing any people are more than welcome to any event, staff members said, especially events students enjoy most. “Everybody’s accepting of people who play. There’s no need to be afraid of anybody, even if they’re just bigger people,” McKinney added. “Don’t worry about your skill level. If you love to play, come and play.”Uploaded June 5, 2015
Writer: Eric Harline
