A league of their own

University recreation flag football offers fun alternative to collegiate play

Student organized intramural flag football teams met at the West Intramural Fields Sunday evening to hold a few games to start their playoffs.

Intramural sports give students who might not have had the chance to play collegiate athletics a chance to still compete in organized sports. Flag football in particular is popular, as 49 teams are registered to compete in the playoffs this year alone.

In attendance to compete in the first part of the playoff tournament Sunday were co-ed and all-men leagues, with other leagues like fraternity and sorority leagues playing at later dates. Each team showed up ready to compete as they looked forward to a shot at this year’s championship.

Unlike college football, flag football has a more “laid back” feel to it.

“This is just a great way to stay in shape and have fun,” Ferris pre-optometry sophomore Nicolle Ostrander said. “It’s more relaxed, but I can still keep my competitive edge.”

This feeling is shared by most of the students who compete in intramural flag football, as they look to win but still have a good time.

Ferris freshman Kevin Lieberman, also a pre-optometry student, looks at intramural sports as a great way to interact with fellow optometry majors.

“It’s a good way to build camaraderie,” Lieberman said. “You also see a lot of character and competitiveness come out in teammates.”

Over the next two weeks, the rest of the flag football teams will compete in the single-elimination playoff tournament for a chance to play for the championship. All of the intramural championship games will be held at Top Taggart Field Nov. 8.