BRIDGEWATER, VA – According to Campus Recreation Director Lori Schrock, intramural basketball, one of the most popular intramural sports at Bridgewater College, has tipped off.
Beginning on Jan. 12, students and players compete to win their league championship.
The leagues consist of 12 men’s teams and 5 co-ed teams, with the winning team from each league earning championship T-shirts that say “Intramural Champions.” The championship game is played in the last week of February.
“It’s something that doesn’t take a lot of equipment,” Schrock said. “People just bring a ball to the gym or they check out a ball and they play.”
According to Clocktower Higher Ed, one of the key strengths of intramural sports is how easily accessible it is. Students do not need years of prior experience to compete, unlike varsity athletics.
Prior to the season, there is a Google form with a link and QR code where students are able to sign up to play. The form is brief, only asking for your school email address, player name and team name.
Schrock said that a lot of people form teams because they play pickup basketball together.
“Over 50% of the students are athletes, which makes intramural basketball a good social spot for athletes to come together and also make new friends, ” said Joey Strong, a junior in his third intramural season. “I have met a couple of my friends now from playing intramurals.”
Players like Strong and Charlie Bratburd are current athletes at Bridgewater College and have played organized basketball at one point in their life. They said that intramural basketball has given them an opportunity to continue playing basketball competitively while still having fun.
“Playing with my teammates on the Big Cats is fun because we are all friends, competitive and already have great chemistry from playing football together,” Strong said.
Some teams have created their own Instagram accounts, posting pictures of their games, scores, and post-game interviews. Accounts can be found on Instagram @thebigcats2.0 and @wakeshow2026.
“I’d definitely recommend playing intramural basketball to other students,” Strong said.” It keeps you active and somewhat in shape, you can make new friends, basketball is a fun sport and it is really fun when you play with friends, and it’s competitive.”
An article by Sarah Miller, a professional sports coach and certified referee, states that intramural basketball improves cardiovascular endurance, encourages regular physical activity in a fun format and fosters friendships.
“Playing with my friends is competitive, and competition is fun,” said Alec Carpenter, who is in his second year of intramural basketball.
“Intramurals are a great way to be active with friends, and you don’t need to be a fitness rockstar to participate, ” Schrock said.
According to flyers posted in the Funkhouser Center, games are played every Monday and Wednesday, starting at 6:00 p.m. up until 10:00 p.m. Every week, the teams are battling for playoff spots and a chance to be crowned intramural champions at the end of the season.
