A month has passed since Winona State University opened its doors once again for the spring semester. College students begin to look to get out and remain as active as they can while readjusting to life on campus. One of the ways that students have begun to do so is through hooping at McCown Gymnasium, participating in intramural basketball. With seventeen teams formed, Mondays and Tuesdays have become action packed with on-court play.
Intramural referee and player, Owen Coleshaw-Klein, spoke about the atmosphere regarding these recreational games.
“These guys kind of treat it like life or death,” he said. “They play really, really hard.”
The lights in the gym shine down on the court and encourage plenty of competitive fire to come with it. One thing becomes guaranteed in recreational basketball, strictly hooping. Many players aim to find an opportunity to cut towards the basket, while others are isolated on the wings to hit a step-back three. The competition that comes with this style of action helps generate an exciting atmosphere for these games.
Coleshaw-Klein, when asked about the rivalry between the players, said, “There’s a sense of pride in winning your intramural game each week, and the value on campus.”
In the genesis of a new season, several incoming players enter the fray to create new matchups for the weeks to come. Each player is equipped with a different sense of pride when it comes to play style. You have the typical shooters rotating across the top of the arc and players driving in to the rim. Some players even decide to partake in a little bit of trash talk.
Basketball has become far more refined in the past decade with many more skills and tricks to try out on the court. With some of the most popular players in the world also being some of the largest influences on the court, Winona State players have also implemented impressive moves that they have learned from said iconic players. Some individuals even wore jerseys while playing in their respective games to honor their idols while practicing with their skills. With this imitation comes plenty of lob passes and step-back jumpers throughout the game. Overall, intramural basketball has allowed for plenty of opportunities to not only get active but also develop your game in the gym.
Richard Streveler, commissioner of the intramural basketball league, spoke on the incoming players and what he recommends for these talents.
“It is so much fun and everyone there is friendly and there for a good time,” Streveler said. “Also, if you don’t know anyone no worries, we have a free agents team every semester which is a great way to meet new people.”
Another huge benefit that comes with the intramural league is employment opportunities for students. Students have the option to be compensated for officiating or scorekeeping for these events. Multiple officials and scorekeepers can help improve the flow of the games and help keep these events fun and clean. They can also find other employment opportunities in other intramural sports. For the incoming intramural events, games occur every Monday and Tuesday in the McCown Gymnasium, beginning at seven o’clock.
