Spiking into Springtime

Inter-mural Volleyball League Prepares for Upcoming Season

            Some students may know it as a simple plot of sand or the picnic area where others like to hang their hammocks but to the winners of last year’s championship that is their home turf. The reigning champions of Regent University’s intermural league have begun planning and training to defend their title in the impeding season. As the weather climbs up the thermostat it is not uncommon to see the Orange Team players whipping a volleyball back and forth across the net. This drive may be what sets them apart from the other losing teams especially in their passion and persistence.

Members for this upcoming season are excitedly preparing as the spring season gets closer and closer waiting for those lazy spring afternoon where they can really put their skills to the test. When asked about training they assured me repeatedly that they all do it separately and on their own time especially in the midst of a busy academic period in the semester. All of the members of the Orange Team are relatively in shape but agreed that they are not going to force one another to be held accountable for going to the gym as volleyball is mostly something they are doing for fun. Micah, a member of the team also told me that they sometimes get together for intersquad scrimmages which I learned is when one plays against one’s own team.

            When the time arrives to actually compete the teams wear coordinating shirts and meet each other at the pit 10 minutes before the game begins. They need to have at least four players to play and if any other players are available they wait on the sidelines to be cycled in. The game begins and the ball volleys between the opposing teams waiting to strike the sand of each other’s side. Members of other teams keep score on a public scoreboard as well as in a binder used to compile wins and losses for playoff qualifications. A referee is also hired to serve as an unbiased authority in what scores count and helps enforce the peace while keeping everyone honest. Intermural sports for the most part are ran entirely by students, for students, and serves as an excellent way to promote physical activity and healthy competition. After each set the teams take a water break and audience members are welcome to come volley the ball on the court with the teams as their friends encourage them. After the sets are finished and the team who won the best of three claims their victory they all run around the court and give each other high fives in the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Micah VanFossen, a player recently drafted into the team for this season was actually one of their opponents last season but jumped ships to join the winning team. He says, “I don’t  know, I’m excited and hopeful that I can actually win this time.” This is in response to his crushing defeat in last seasons playoffs he decided to play against his girlfriend (who crushed him) and in the spirit of a true snake left his former teammates in the dust. He was debating the team’s mascot at the time between a caribou and a raptor. He was trying to petition the team towards the caribou but other members were uncertain, hopefully this will not divide them as a team. They must decide on the particulars before spring break when the season officially begins at the opening ceremonies.

The players are not the only ones who look forward to these games as these events are known to draw a sizable crowd of students, parents, and friends alike. These events are more accessible to students as they are not as intense as our collegiate sports and take place on campus so require less effort and are more convenient. Students enjoy supporting one team or another or even simply basking in the spring heat for the first time in months. Occasionally there is even a small barbeque as someone cooks hamburgers and fills the air with the smell of charcoal and the anticipation of summer. The atmosphere is that of a family cookout complete with laughter, spirited heckling, and a welcome break in the pressure of the closing semester. It gives everyone on campus the opportunity to simply enjoy themselves and support their peers as they vanquish the competition at the volleyball net.

The intermural volleyball league is a positive outlet for energy and encourages students to be outside and among their friends. It has created a weekly time where students are welcome to hang out and enjoy the weather while supporting their peers and Regent’s budding athletic program. As the intermural club grows they are hopeful to include other sports and include a larger percentage of the student body. For now students are happy to have a fun spring and autumn activity appreciated by athletes and academics alike.