Athletics at Otterbein consist of 18 men’s and women’s varsity teams. Yet, what is there for those students that want to stay active but aren’t on one of the sports teams? This is where recreational sports come into play.
Recreational sports at Otterbein offer students the opportunity to get friends together and have friendly competition against other members of the student body.
“Kids are just out here having fun,” said Kyle Belback, a junior who is the assistant student coordinator of Otterbein recreational sports. “It does get a little competitive, but everyone’s out here mostly to have fun.”
Tyler Rose, a senior who is helping out with recreational sports this semester through his sports management practicum, also believes that recreational sports are good for the student body.
“It gives the student body a chance to enjoy sports and activities,” Rose said. “It’s a way to bring the college together.”
Recreational sports are overseen by Michelle Riegler, the fitness and recreation coordinator at Otterbein, with senior Aaron McPherson as the head student coordinator and Belback and Rose helping as well.
So far this semester, teams have been meeting every Monday and Wednesday. Volleyball started the intramural season and has just recently ended. With soccer season in midway through, basketball is on deck for the spring semester.
A big surprise for all who are involved in these intramural sports is how popular they have become this semester.
“It helps that we have players from (other) varsity sports teams at Otterbein playing,” Rose said. “Many members of the freshman class are also helping by coming out and getting their friends to play.”
According to Belback, it is very easy to get involved.
“All it takes is getting a team together,” he said. “All you need to do is show up and have the form filled out, and you’re good to go.”
A form is available to a team on the first Monday night of a new session. The next sport will be basketball starting in the spring, meeting in the Clements Center.
To keep up with Otterbein recreational sports, follow them on Twitter @otterrecsports.
