Eric Schroeder/ Winonan

The clock ticks down, “5,4,3,2,1…”

The buzzer sounds.

You are a champion!

Well, maybe it is only an intramural championship, but you are a champion.

Winona State University has numerous opportunities this coming fall for students to participate in intramural sports. The Integrated Wellness Complex is the focal point of intramural activities along with walk-in fitness classes.

Mark Bambenek is the man in charge when it comes to intramurals and fitness classes, and he said Winona State offers about 11 to 12 leagues each semester.

This fall there are 11 sports being offered in two sessions. The first session, which includes football, softball, basketball, soccer and volleyball, runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 16. The second session will include football, volleyball and basketball from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20.

Bambenek said he typically likes to stick with the “tried and true” sports such as basketball and football.

“Unfortunately we are a campus without a whole lot of green space,” Bambenek said.

This puts somewhat of a limitation on how many leagues can run when it comes to outdoor sports. Just the same, there is only a limited amount of time and space to run the indoor leagues like basketball and volleyball.

Adam Bahr, who has participated in volleyball, softball and football leagues, said, “It was extremely fun to be a part of.”

Sign up is on Sept. 3 or Oct. 15 for either the first or second sessions respectively. Bambenek will be at the McCown Gym from 6-7 p.m. on these sign-up days. The only thing needed for sign up is the roster sheet, which can be found at the desk in the IWC or online on the intramural website and a $40 forfeit deposit. All leagues run Monday through Thursday and are scheduled either 4-7 p.m. or 7-11 p.m.

The fitness classes, also located in the IWC, are also an option for students who would rather do something besides using the gym equipment.

There are four classes offered Monday through Thursday starting at 4 p.m. Two classes are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Some of the classes offered include “Butt ‘N Gut,” yoga and “Insanity.” These are walk-in classes and require no prior experience or sign-up to participate. Bambenek said classes normally top off around thirty people, but the first few weeks may feature some classes of forty or more.

Students conduct everything, once organized and set up by Bambenek. The officials, scorekeepers and fitness instructors are student workers.

There are numerous options for Winona State students who are trying to stay fit, looking for some friendly competition, or trying to find a fun job on campus.

Interested students can speak to Bambenek regarding qualifications and the application process in his office, room 103 in the IWC. The front desk also provides intramural and fitness call information.