Getting Involved: Intramurals

Part of the Concord University experience is to get involved with intramurals. In fact, it is one of the largest student activity groups on campus.

    Director of Intramurals Chris Smallwood states, “We have an average of 167 participants per sport. Softball being our smallest group this year at 117, and 5-on-5 basketball being our largest at 232 (during the Spring 2017).”

    Any student at Concord can participate in intramurals. All activities are free to participate in either as a spectator or an athlete. In total, the Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness offers six different intramural sports: flag football, softball, volleyball, soccer, dodgeball, and even ultimate Frisbee when the time allows.

    Information and updates on sports being played a sign-up dates are emailed to student emails, as well as posted on fliers around campus.

    “If they can create their own team, they just need to email me their roster and come to the captains’ meeting. If they can’t create their own team or find one to play for, all they need to do is send me an email and I will either create a team or find an existing team for them to play for. They can also just show up at the captains’ meeting,” Smallwood says.

    When asked if any fitness level was welcome to participate in intramurals, Smallwood said, “Yes, and in fact I ask which division they would like to play in during sign-ups.” He also says that it is important to note that, “varsity players who are currently active in their chosen sport cannot play their intramural sport.” As long as their coaches approve, they are able to participate in any other Intramural sports that is offered.

    Often times there are students who may want to play an intramural sport but don’t have a team, or are unsure if they are really good enough to play on a team. If that is the case, Smallwood has several suggestions on how they can get involved.

    “I would encourage them to come out and watch intramurals and see what it is all about. We actually have quite a bit of spectators that join us during our events, and it is a great atmosphere,” Smallwood says. “Those who are ‘on the fence’ can then see others participating and perhaps come to the realization that they too can participate and have fun. It is a great way to make lasting friendships and develop that all important ‘sense of belonging.”

    He continues to say that if anyone is on the fence about thinking they are not athletic enough to play, they can see what the divisions for each league sport offers. “These teams also have the opportunity to play some of the better skilled teams in the tournaments held at the end of each league sport season and therefore have the opportunity to experience a challenge and win. We have had several tournaments in which lower division teams have ended up winning the Championship, and for me, those have been some of my favorites over the past 8 years,” he says.

    If you are interested in being a spectator during intramural games you can visit the CU Intramurals Facebook page to see a full list of games and game locations. On Twitter the games for each day are posted, scores, and game highlights.

    “My door is always open and if they are interested in any way concerning intramurals they can always come talk to me. I am open to new ideas and welcome suggestions. I will do what I can to develop any intramural activities the student body would like within the constraints that I have to work with,” says Smallwood.

    Don’t forget to follow the intramurals social media accounts to stay up-to-date on the current happenings of the program. Facebook- CU Intramurals, Twitter @curecreation, and Instagram @cu_intrmaurals.

    For more information on how to get involved with intramurals, please contact Chris Smallwood at smallwood@concord.edu or 304-384-6347.