Then and Now: Intramural Sports
Intramural sports have evolved at TCNJ, and the depth of changes (both in function and cosmetic) might surprise any alumnus who has donned a pinnie or laced up a pair of Zips.
The shorts aren’t quite as short as they once were, and the knee-high socks have been cut below the ankles. The rubber basketballs have been replaced by leather. Rainouts can be averted if a game is scheduled to be played on synthetic turf fields. Intramural sports have evolved at TCNJ, and the depth of changes (both in function and cosmetic) might surprise any alumnus who has donned a pinnie or laced up a pair of Zips.
“The equipment and the facilities are much better now,” explained Deborah Simpson ’84, professional services specialist for the Department of Athletics who has directed the intramural sports program since 1986. “For example, the bats we provided for softball in the ’80s were literally aluminum bats. Now they’re titanium and composite bats hitting harder balls that travel farther. We have regulation-sized basketballs for both men and women. We own the Green Lane fields now, and the new turf fields are state of the art. We’ve also added more sports over the years and there are more teams playing them. We set out to build a strong intramural sports program and it’s been great to watch it grow.”
Flag football, softball, and basketball have long been staple sports of the program, and currently indoor and outdoor soccer, indoor and sand volleyball, dodgeball, floor hockey, and pickleball (mini-tennis) are offered. Nearly all teams are suited in uniform jerseys and student supervisors select a “Player of the Week” for intramural sports. Also, teams can compete in regional and national tournaments. A TCNJ basketball team placed second in a national tournament in Texas and flag football squads have traveled to New Orleans to vie for an intramural sports national title.
Playing in and administering the league has become much more convenient and efficient through the service of the Internet. Players can register online, receive schedules, read rules, and check standings with a click of the mouse. Gone are the days of playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who has to trudge down to the Rec Center to verify a game-time.
While many aspects have changed for the better, others have remained the same. There is an A-Division, a B-Division, and a co-ed division. Some teams and/or players are extremely competitive and play to win. Others are involved for recreational purposes and simply enjoy putting the books away and playing sports. Fraternities and sororities have rival opponents and Six and Chix is a co-ed flag football team that has competed for two decades.
Team names have always been a subject of comedy. Just this past year, teams from dorm halls, fraternities, and sororities squared off against the likes of Team Exlax, I Feel Pretty, and the Flaming Minions. In a January showdown featuring two basketball teams evenly matched in self-confidence, The Untouchables manned up against the Fabulous 5. Surprisingly, no media attended.
Mike Johnson ’88 played soccer and softball. His introduction to intramural sports was unique to say the least. Not enough players showed up for his first three games. Rather than throw in the towel, Johnson rolled with the punches and renamed his team, The Forfeits. The Forfeits went on to have several successful seasons, that is, when their attendance was not reflective of their team title.
“It was a great experience for all of us who enjoyed getting out there and playing sports,” said Johnson, who claimed a championship mug while playing softball with the Lightcaps. “I don’t think there was a sport they offered that I didn’t play or at least officiate.”
Many players from decades past would opt to stick with their pinnies and low-cost if it meant they could continue to enjoy adult beverages on site. Today, no alcohol is allowed at the playing fields. But according to Simpson, before Lions’ Stadium was built, fans would settle up on the hill above the softball fields and pump cold ones into a cup from a silver barrel.
Regardless of time period, intramural sports have been enjoyed by thousands of students at the College. Whether they walked away with a prized mug or not, the games provided an outlet students could look forward to each week. For one graduate, it continues to shape her life.
“Intramurals was a large part of my college life,” said Diane Yee ’05, a member of Six and Chix as well a volleyball team that went by The Aceholes. “I was a participant, official, supervisor and Web master. My experience at TCNJ led me to my current career as intramural and facility coordinator at Brown University.”
Posted on August 12, 2009