Campus Recreation Offers Community Through Sports
Over 500 teams and more than 3,000 sport lovers aim to win the spring 2022 intramural sports season while having fun and socializing.
Liberty University’s Intramural Sports program offers more than 20 different leagues throughout the semester including basketball, broomball, indoor and outdoor flag football, indoor and beach volleyball, softball and more.
“Intramural sports are designed to be an escape from the academic side of college,” Director of Intramural Sports Ed Barnhouse said. “It gives students a chance to exercise, socialize and compete with their peers. We believe it’s an opportunity to work on life skills such as conflict resolution, team building and leadership.”
The program is for students and anyone on the Liberty faculty or staff who loves sports and fellowship. It offers competition as well as community with others in Christ. According to the intramural sports department, the most popular sports during the spring semester are basketball, broomball, indoor and outdoor soccer and indoor and outdoor volleyball. A goalkeeper of indoor and outdoor soccer teams, James Byerly, said he enjoys playing intramural sports.
“My experience has been good so far … It is fun when you win, and the competition level is a significant aspect of the games,” Byerly said. “My favorite memories are probably good saves.”
“Our team goal and my goal for this semester are to win the tournament for both indoor and outdoor,” Byerly said. “Since the outdoor season has not started yet, my immediate goal (for the indoor) is to ensure our team stays on task, and everyone shows up to every game.”
Byerly is not the only one who is looking to win in the spring season. Captain of a basketball team Jaydon Unger said his experience with intramural sports made him excited and challenged him to win the competition.
“The experience is super fun. It’s relaxed but still a lot of competition at the same time which makes it even more fun,” Unger said. “I have not won the championship yet, but I have a good team this semester and am definitely attempting to this semester.”
Some students utilize intramural sports as a way to spend time with friends not just for competition. Junior Jack Nohava started participating in the program after being invited to his Community Group Leader Christian Palumbo’s basketball team. Nohava now plays not only for a basketball team but also participated for 11 other intramural sports as well.
“I enjoy playing in different sports and playing all for fun with no pressure at all. It has led to greater success because of the fun,” Nohava said. “My favorite game to play in was my freshman year. There were hundreds of people (who) showed up to a game, and it was the most people I’ve ever played in front of.”
Nohava won six championships throughout his three years of intramural sports at Liberty. However, he said that he is still excited about his softball team this semester as his team hopes to hit many home runs. Nohava also was thrilled about his basketball team, “Grant and The Boys,” that was named after Grant Thinesen, a student graduating in May.
The intramural sports program continues to encourage students to have a good time with their friends during their college years. Barnhouse believes that the program leaves a door open for students to make lifelong friends.
“The people they play intramural sports with are going to be the friends they have the strongest bonds with,” Barnhouse said. “My hope is that they learn things about themselves and others they may not have in a normal setting.”
For more information, students can visit liberty.edu/intramurals.
Jang is a news reporter.