The buzz on intramural sports

Luther College is renowned for their prestigious music programs and Division III athletics, but an important and essential part of the Luther campus atmosphere is intramural sports. With opportunities in every season, many active students choose to take a break from the world of books and deadlines and delve into some healthy competition.

Intramural sports present a fun atmosphere for competition and play. “I want intramurals to be intrinsic,” Director of Recreational Sports Vicky Jaeger said. “A person plays for the sake of play.” The fun in the game is something Jaeger strives to instill in every sport offered for students, the importance of simply enjoying the game regardless of skill level. “That is a lifetime goal, to laugh and have fun regardless of how good a person is,” Jaeger said.

Intramurals offer a great way to relax and let out the stresses and tensions that college life can so often heap on. “Working out in Legends shouldn’t be the only avenue to letting off steam,” Jaeger said. “We need fun in our lives and laughter.” Intramurals give people the chance to forget about the important test that week, or a tough decision that may be in the near future.

“Emotional wellness is crucial, and we take ourselves too seriously at times, so intramurals is a great way to let off stress,” Jaeger said.

While for some, this is a relaxing break, competition is also a friendly part of the picture. “I’m a competitive person,” Gabe Less (‘10) said. “I want to win and have fun every time I play.”

One example of the fi erce realm of competition was a recent intramural fl ag football game between members of Luther’s baseball team versus members of Luther’s wrestling team.

The game extended into overtime and, by the skin of their teeth, the Norse wrestlers won, 32-26. “It’s just fun to be in a comepetitive environment out of season,” wrestler Dustin Balsley (‘11) said.

Sign up for your chance at some healthy competition, online at http://recsports.luther.edu or http://intramurals.luther.edu.