Participating in a college sport takes a lot of dedication, hard work and skill. Being a student athlete is not for everyone, which is why there are intramurals.

Intramurals is a program that is made for students who want to compete at an athletic and recreational level.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to be connected to the University in a positive way, [and] a great avenue for students to meet others and create friendships,” Director of Intramurals Tyler Boddy said.

In the fall, volleyball and flag football are offered with 28 teams between them. During the spring season, the number of teams raises to over 45.

“We average around 450 students each year that participate in intramural activities,” Boddy said.

Being a student athlete and being an intramurals athlete sounds the same, but there are some differences with intramurals. They require no practice, no special uniforms and no particular level of skill. Students can be in as many intramurals as they would like, and most of them have no cost. Flag football and basketball are five dollars due to the referees, but if someone competes in one they do not have to pay for the other.

Sand volleyball takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while flag football is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Both events are from 6 to 8 p.m., and everyone is invited to watch.

Once sand volleyball and flag football end, and the weather turns sub-zero, the activities move inside. These include men and women’s 5-on-5 basketball, indoor volleyball and softball in the spring.

When putting together a team, anyone can be on it.

“We have done gender specific sports in the past, but each sport that we offer this year is co-ed,” Boddy said.

According to Boddy, basketball in the spring has historically been the most popular, with around 30 teams that participate in that sport alone.

If students are not interested in being on a team, or prefer to watch instead of play, there are two other options for them. By bringing their student I.D.s to the RA Facility, they can check out almost any kind of sports equipment to hone their skills on their own time. Open gym is available Monday through Thursday, and also Sunday, from 8 to 11 p.m.

The other option is for students to apply to be an intramurals team member as an employee. To find more information on sports activities, jobs, and open gym, go to the SMSU Intramurals web page.