Intramural Competitors Bring Intensity, Passion

Oberlin's athletics program is not a primary consideration for many applicants. Most students do not participate in varsity athletics and some never even set foot in Philips Gymnasium. Many students focus their energies elsewhere, in music, theater, writing and other creative outlets. However, there is a core group of students who participate in Oberlin's IM program with all the enthusiasm of varsity athletes. Although the athletes are not always highly-skilled, IM games can achieve all the intensity of Division I competition.

Basketball is an especially popular program. In past years, townspeople were allowed to participate, which often raised the level of intensity and competitiveness. A recent decision by Recreation Center Director Betsy Bruce to allow only Oberlin students, faculty and staff to participate has raised some questions about intramural sports.

"We're always moaning about the poor state of town-gown relations in Oberlin," senior Claire Miller said. "Why further institutionalize those divisions with this sort of exclusive policy?" Many students share this concern, seeing intramurals as an opportunity to strengthen the College's relationship with the wider Oberlin community. Others see the advantages that allowing townspeople to play holds for the intramural program. "In my experience, the townspeople were good competition and they always showed up," said senior Raphael Ginsburg. "Right now, we have too many forfeits and too few players. Their presence would only help."

Sophomore Stephanie White supported Bruce's decision, saying, "It is important to keep students safe and healthy while playing. It is difficult to regulate who will participate if it is open to the public, and non-students might not play with the same intentions or spirits. Although I doubt it would present any serious problems, I do think students' safety should be put first."

Some students understand and support Bruce's reasoning but are still bothered by the repercussions that the decision brings. "The main problem with Intramurals is the lack of participation," said senior Jesse Morse, an intramural coordinator. Morse also added that many people don't sign up for events, and those who do sign up do not show up. While the small numbers are something that Morse sees as needing improvement, he added, "I have no problem with there not being townspeople." Morse said that while townspeople would provide more people to play with, they tend to dominate and at times intimidate their College competitors.

Bruce defends her decision, saying, "My decision was based on the definition of intramural as well as my understanding of recreation in most institutions of higher education."

The term "intramural" is defined as "existing within the bounds of an institution." (American Heritage Dictionary, 1976) Use of the prefix ex (e.g. the term "extramural,") would mean two teams from two different schools' intramural programs meeting to play for an inter-school contest.

Morse praises Bruce for her work, especially the creation of more IM events and her openness to student suggestions during her time as Director of the Recreation Center. He also mentioned that the administration and students who are involved in the IM programs are working to increase enrollment through e-mail lists, fliers and further expansion of events.

Wellington resident and former intramural basketball player Kenny Cole was a member of the Intramural program for 11 years. "I don't miss intramural too much because I play [elsewhere] a lot already," says Cole. "But some of the other guys who don't play as much were pretty upset. It would have been nice to play."

Bruce continues to defend her position amid the discussion that has followed her decision. "As the new director of recreation at Oberlin, my first concern has been providing opportunity for the 2900-member student body first, the employees second and the paying members of the recreation center a close third," says Bruce. "Providing space and opportunity for structured play (intramural) as well as free play (open gyms not dominated by one particular group or sport) in a safe and clean environment has been first and foremost on my agenda."

For now, it looks like intramurals will remain within the College community.