Intramural sports return to Augusta University

By Katron Hugee | Sports writer & Kayla Portillo | Staff writer

One of many ways Augusta University students stay active is through the Intramural Sports program which provides everybody the opportunity to have fun while improving their health and wellness.

The intramural sports program is looking for participants this fall semester, and no tryouts are necessary. They offer a variety of sports that will keep one active and provide the opportunity to make new friends and possibly be the next champion at Augusta University’s Hall of fame.

Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intramurals were limited to individual sports. Those included a three-point shootout in basketball, a shootout in soccer, singles table tennis and others including electronic sports such as Madden and NBA 2K.

Bryan Waller, Augusta University’s Intramural Sports Coordinator, says this semester looks to return to normal as teams sports have been scheduled for the fall semester.

“This semester we’re moving back towards exactly the way it was prior to COVID,” said Waller. “We’re moving back to more contact sports.”

Sophomore and two-year participant of the intramural sports program Lindsay Baker said that she is registered for women’s flag football and volleyball in hopes of being more active and making some new friends this year.

“The intramural sports program gives everybody a chance to be active and have some fun,” she said. “I don’t have a team, but I’m excited to meet some new people and join one. You know, the pandemic took a toll on my mental health, and this just gives me a chance to get out, get active, and entertain this competitive ego of mine.”

Augusta University is now offering students, staff, faculty and alumni the opportunity to participate in various intramural sports that opened for registration starting Aug. 11, 2021. Sports being offered include flag football, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, soccer, kickball, dodgeball, and three-point competition.

Senior Chris Ali is also eager to participate in men’s intramural basketball for the first time this fall semester.

“I just found out a couple of weeks ago that intramural sports were a thing here,” he said. “The best part about it is that I don’t have to try out or be a professional player; so, I’m super stoked to show off my dunk game.”

Students are urged to quickly register for these sports as spots are filling up fast and team captains are searching for new additions to their team. Most sports are offered on a seasonal basis, and game locations will be at Jaguar Park or the Campus Recreation Center.

Any student is allowed and encouraged to sign up and participate in any sport of his or her choosing. No previous athletic experience is required to play any sport. Student-athletes are also allowed to participate but are restricted from playing the sport that they currently participate in at AU.

“Athletes can play, I just encourage them to get their coaches permission,” Waller said.

The COVID-19 policy for participants and viewers follows the university-wide policy that encourages students to get vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated to continue wearing a mask.

“There might be some people that you never knew went to school here and you have the same interest and the same passion, and you develop these relationships with each other,” Waller said. “It’s fun, it's engaging, and you never know who you’ll meet.”

To sign up for intramural sports, an account must be created at imleagues.com/augusta which has the option of creating a team or joining one as a free agent. Team sports have a fee of $25 per team, and individual sports have a fee of $5 per player.

The current listing of sports will be offered consistently on campus, and additional sports may be added semesterly. The registration deadline varies on the sport, and these dates can be found on the Augusta University website.

The intramural sports program encourages participants and interested parties to contact them at imsports@augusta.edu with any suggestions for sports that are not currently offered.

Contact Katron Hugee at khugee@augusta.edu & Kayla Portillo at kportillo@augusta.edu.

Students now have the opportunity to physically participate intramural sports this fall. (photo by Katron Hugee) At the top of page, signs have been posted in several areas on campus encouraging students to join the various intramural leagues. (photo by Kayla Portillo)