At Sherwood Athletic Center, Whitman’s Intramural basketball has taken off this spring semester, creating a friendly, competitive atmosphere among Whitman Students in the fast-paced and exhilarating team sport of basketball.
The Intramural basketball league is one of 10 Intramural sports that Whitman has established for students on campus to have fun, stay active and meet new friends. Within Intramural basketball, there are two divisions: Division I for more competitive game play, and Division II for casual competition. Between these two divisions, Intramural basketball at Whitman ensures a place for everyone, regardless of their level in the sport, to participate in a fun and safe environment.
Senior Will Steinhacker runs the Intramural basketball league, and his ultimate goal is to create a community for everyone through it.
“I hope to get a bunch of people who have either played basketball competitively and want to keep playing or are new to it,” Steinhacker said. “And [I want to] be able to organize an event and a league for them to go play with their friends and showcase what they can do. So far, it’s been a great opportunity for a lot of people to have fun playing basketball.”
Rickie Lockett, one such first-year, expressed his appreciation for the Intramural basketball community and the fact that anyone can participate in the league.
“Everyone is fun to play with; everybody knows it’s just basketball,” Lockett said. “I come out here and have some fun with my friends and have a good time.”
Steinhacker hopes that the Intramural basketball community sustains itself and continues to evolve at Whitman.
“Hopefully, we’ve got some people who carry it on as well and keep growing it,” Steinhacker said. “If you didn’t do it this year, there’ll be an opportunity next year.”
Since organized basketball is typically a winter sport, the Intramural (IM) Committee organizes the basketball league in the early months of the spring semester. Tournament games are held in pairs every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional games on Saturday as well.
To improve and broaden the league, Steinhacker wants to continue to diversify the community within Intramural basketball, specifically with regard to gender.
“Right now, it’s pretty male-dominant,” Steinhacker said. “We’re always looking for opportunities to bring [in] a little bit more gender diversity. Any outreach that we can do to let women know that it’s cool to play, [that] everyone’s welcome and everyone can compete [is important].”
Sophomore Tsogtoo Batbaatar, a former IM Committee member, commented that the league’s lack of gender diversity is an ongoing problem.
“Many girls who I’ve talked to about this issue have discussed their concerns and discomfort with the lack of support,” Batbaatar said in an email to The Wire. “They have each tried to recruit more of their friends to sign up along with them, but many don’t since they have no prior experience with the sport typically.”
As the committee works to increase league participation among diverse constituencies, Steinhacker encourages students to try it out.
“Anyone can come play and have a good time,” Steinhacker said. “If you don’t want to play, come watch your friends. People love it when their friends come out to support them. If you’re new to the school, it is a great way to meet new people and find a community that you get along with.”
Lockett added that Intramural activities provide a reprieve from everyday college responsibilities.
“It’s a nice, fun little distraction from classes and all the other stress [of] college studies,” Lockett said. “It’s nice that you get some exercise and do activities outside of any classes [or] clubs.”
Along with the community-building it promotes and its popularity, Batbaatar believes that there is still much work the IM Committee can do to better the league.
“Many view Intramural sports as a way to separate from the classroom and stay active,” Batbaatar said. “However, I think the IM Committee needs to step up as a beacon for students. They need to show up and be more active for inclusion, fair gameplay and accountability.”
This semester, the tournament began in early February and will run until May, giving students a wide timeframe to participate and take advantage of the opportunity to find community and experience something new.
