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In the spring semester, the fraternity Phi Alpha Pi created a intramural basketball team that competed throughout the beginning of the spring semester. Photo provided by Evan Murphy.
At the beginning of this fall semester at The University of Olivet (UO), there was an email sent to all students explaining that intramural sports would be postponed for the entire school year.
In a meeting with Dan Hayes, some light was shed on the situation. When asked directly about the rumors of termination surrounding the program, he said that intramural sports had only been postponed, due to several conflicting factors involving budget, staffing, structure and scheduling.
Hayes said that as he temporarily assists in filling the position of Blair Hall Director, continues working on restructuring the program, and struggles to find student employees, he finds it difficult to initialize the flag football season in the first weeks of the fall semester.
Hayes said that it would be wise of the institution to postpone the season, and refrain from making any announcements, until everything is set into place. In this one-on-one meeting, Hayes expressed his excitement to bring forward a new way that intramural sports will be carried out at UO.
While the previous structure of intramural sports was a pure cost to UO, the new structure of the program will allow the school to build a revenue stream that feeds directly back into intramurals.
This accomplishment will provide the school with the ability to carry out more organized and amplified seasons for each sport that it hosts and allows more students to become involved with the program.
The push for involvement in the extracurricular program remains an important pillar in the school’s community. It is commonly agreed that the intramural sports program allows students and student athletes to become familiar with each other and create bonds and connections that may not have taken place if it weren't for the program.
Senior, Keith Morgan said, “I became a lot closer with students from different aspects of the community, like students on the track team, who I don’t think I would have talked to if it wasn’t for IMs.”
Morgan also said, “It helped me become more comfortable on campus knowing familiar faces.”
Alumni Airic Boyce, class of 2018, with a degree in insurance and risk management and a minor in claims investigation, said that he had initially joined intramural sports for fun but recognized the opportunity to work on his leadership skills through the program.
Boyce said, “Everyone loves playing intramurals and campus just wouldn’t be the same without them.”
Boyce also said, “It is just a lot of fun and a great way to give my mind a break from studying for a few hours a week. My favorite part about participating, is competing with the team my Greek house created. We’re normally pretty good so it’s really competitive when we go against other Greek houses.”
A current student worker, Sophomore Maddy Terry, an english major with a minor in coaching, said “The atmosphere was very positive and upbeat. It was very exciting and welcoming, especially for a freshman. This made it a lot easier for everyone to get along and made me look forward to working on these games and tournaments.”
Terry also said that “I believe it had a positive effect on campus. It brought everyone together, and more people joined throughout the season.”
Charles Miller, a Senior studying business and sports recreation management, agrees with Terry and said, “From what I have seen around campus it has gotten people who normally would never talk to each other actually talk to each other and create better friendships on campus from intramural sports.”
The opportunity for on-campus work has opened doors to the workforce for several students. In Boyce’s case, he soon took up the role as an intramural referee during his freshman year and later progressed to a managerial role.
Boyce later decided to take on more responsibilities by helping Kelly Patmore, the Shipherd Hall Director and Intramural Sports Coordinator in 2018, with game and event planning and scheduling, while also refereeing when necessary.
More recent student workers have shared their perspectives of working under Dan Hayes in short interviews this year as well.
Miller followed a similar path in working with Hayes as an intern, learning the ins and outs of coordinating intramural sports. He currently manages game schedules, assists in reviewing student applications, and creates the work schedule for student employees.
Miller says that working with Hayes has benefited him, in that “The position has gotten me to be more organized and more confident in my skills as a leader. It also has made me money from student employment, working a total of 20 hours a week and getting paid $10.38 an hour...”
Terry also explained how doing such work benefited her. Terry said “Dan is very knowledgeable about running intramural sports, and he ensures that everyone is having fun and staying safe. His approach is a great example of how I would lead the program if given the chance.”
While the absence of intramural sports at the start of the fall semester had left students eager yet disappointed, the proactive measures being implemented by Dan Hayes and the Recreational Programs team promise a renewed and sustainable future for the program.
The postponement of flag football reflects a strategic decision to ensure that intramural sports can thrive within a restructured framework that prioritizes student engagement and financial viability.
With the anticipation of a more organized approach, The University of Olivet can look forward to the re-establishment this cherished tradition, enriching student experiences, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the joy and camaraderie of intramural athletics.
Written by Evan Murphy