[ORIENTATION]: Finding glory with IM sports

UCLA is known across the country for its unparalleled success in
NCAA sports, but more athletes roam the campus than just those who
fill the Morgan Center with trophies.

Every quarter, hundreds of ordinary students looking for a bit
of competition ““ or just to have a little fun ““
participate in an extensive intramural sports program.

“I play IM sports because the competition is exciting, but
at the end of the day it’s just a good time, hanging out with
your friends and having fun,” said Andrew Green, a fifth-year
communication studies student.

Each quarter UCLA Recreation organizes leagues in sports such as
flag football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. Even sports not
historically regarded as IMs, including water polo and dodgeball,
are offered.

“My favorite IM sport is dodgeball because it’s
exciting and challenging because it blends strategy, finesse and
raw athleticism,” Green said. “I think it’s the
last pure sport out there.”

Many might not completely agree with Green’s ranking, but
his enthusiasm represents the passion and fun that IM athletes at
UCLA have.

Each sport typically separates levels of competition by allowing
students to choose in which league to register their team.

Although all levels are open to all students, “A”
leagues are usually the most competitive and “C”
leagues usually the most relaxed.

Office of Residential Life leagues exist so that students living
on the Hill can compete with one another to prove once and for all
which floor is the best.

Another feature of IM sports is shorter tournaments in sports
including table tennis, racquetball, track and swimming.

Although for many Bruins, IMs provide another entertainment
outlet and an opportunity to spend time with friends, some students
take their sports more seriously. Many come to UCLA having played
sports in high school, and IMs provide a competitive outlet they
may not otherwise have in college.

Second-year student Lindsay Steele spent her high school days
playing for a championship basketball squad, twice reaching the
state playoffs. These days she gets her competitive fix by playing
IM basketball with her friends.

“Basketball was so intense in high school, I practiced or
conditioned every day of the year and now it’s hard not
having something like that in college,” Steele said.

“Playing IM sports is fun because it isn’t as
serious but it is still pretty competitive and you get to play with
your friends.”

Along with the wide variety of sports offered is the diversity
of venues that host IMs. Students compete all over campus, in
places including the Wooden Center, the Student Activities Center
and the massive Intramural Field, as well as the storied Pauley
Pavilion, which is home to many of UCLA’s
championship-winning teams.

In fact, IM basketball champions are crowned every quarter on
the same floor where men’s basketball coach Ben Howland leads
his Bruins through the Pac-10.

IM sports not only provide some friendly competition, but they
also give students a chance to spend time with friends and perhaps
make new ones. Giving every Bruin a chance to play at the same
places where scholarship athletes compete lets them make their own
moments of sports glory.

For more information on the IM sports program, visit the
John Wooden Center in person or online at
recreation.ucla.edu.

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