College Sports: Recreation -- Not a bad way to go

When people think of college sports, they think of NCAA sports. They think of athletes who are blessed with great size, speed and power, being so talented and gifted that they leave everyone in awe.

Most people envision the big seven-foot tall basketball players who can slam a basketball a hundred different ways, the baseball players who can throw 90-plus miles per hour and hit a ball 400-plus feet, and even the soccer player who can boot a ball farther than most people can see.

But, the fact of the matter is, those athletes are the exception. They are the ones who have devoted most of their lives to the sport they play, putting in numerous hours of hard work and dedication.

Most people that I've met here at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA have played some kind of a sport in grammar school or high school, but for some reason or another, they've been forced to give up the sport.

But, just because things didn't work out in NCAA athletics, shouldn't mean those people should stop participating in the sports they love. They should stay involved and active, because other than the fact that sports keep people in better shape, they're fun to play.

And there's no reason people shouldn't be playing those sports at their respective colleges.

Most schools have excellent recreation programs, highlighted by the several intramural sports that they offer.

Whether students played football, basketball, baseball, or even water polo or golf in high school, the intramural program offers just about every sport one could think of.

Not only are these sports fun to participate in, but there is a wide variety of competition as well. For those who really want to challenge their skills against those of others, the department offers an "A" league, where most of the participants played each particular sport in high school.

The "A" flag football league is one of the most competitive leagues, with several teams fighting to claim the No. 1 spot here at Pacific.

One of the things to realize is that intramural sports aren't just limited to competition at one school. The intramural program here at Pacific has sent teams to other schools to participate in regional, and even national, competitions.

The "A" flag football team from Pi Kappa Alpha here at Pacific is set to board America Airlines for Phoenix this Friday, where it will participate in a regional flag football tournament at Arizona St. University this weekend.

"I actually think the level of competition has gotten much better," said Pacific Recreation Director David Hall. "I've seen some groups and organizations, specifically in flag football and basketball, take a huge interest in intramurals and really do quite well."

Even though the intramural program offers a high level of competition, for those who are just out to have a good time and enjoy some friendly competition, it also offers lower leagues that don't get quite so competitive.

The program offers sports for men, women, and even co-rec, which is a combination of men and women.

Hall is very excited about the future of intramural programs at Pacific, as well as throughout the nation.

"What I'd like to do is continue to grow our programs," Hall said. "I'd like to develop our programs where we have competitive leagues and recreation leagues, just so there's something for everyone."

So just because we all aren't as talented as some of the Div. I athletes, that doesn't mean that we can't get out on the field and have a good time.

Come join the intramural program that 35 percent of the students at Pacific, and 21 percent of college students nationwide, already participate in.

Not very many people out there can dunk a basketball, throw a ball 90 miles per hour, or boot a soccer ball as good as the big-time athletes, but it's definitely the next best thing.

It's fun, it's competitive, and it's truly a worthwhile experience. So come join the fun!