Athletics program offers variety

Megan Ransom RAN04008@BYUI.EDU Sports Assistant Editor

Students strutting down the hall all in identical clothing. Constant thumping and squeaking noises. Splashing, shouting and the clinking of weights.

To some, even approaching the John W. Hart Building is intimidating however, most eventually realize that there is room for everyone in the sports program at BYU-Idaho.

The sports program is organized with different levels of competition. It’s designed in a way that everyone has an opportunity to play at their level whether they’ve been playing since they were two or they just decided hitting a ball around would be a great way to socialize.

The sports program is separated into two main divisions: Athletics and RecSports. RecSports is further divided to involve every level of competition.

The students involved in Athletics are not necessarily better athletes than those in RecSports, but a higher level of commitment is required. In order to be on a team students need to tryout.

“Athletics provides an opportunity for people to be on a team, make new friends and learn about the special connection between sports and the gospel. We would invite anyone to come and participate and receive these benefits,” said Troy Dougherty, Athletics coordinator.

The highest level of competition within RecSports is the Viking league. These athletes are usually high school and college all-stars. Next, the Rec division is designed for former high school varsity athletes. Slightly lower in the competition is the Leisure division, for those who have had some experience with the sport. The Ward division is there for social interaction. Students place themselves within the divisions.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to get to know people. The way we schedule it, everyone should have equal competition. It shouldn’t be intimidating,” said Derik Taylor, RecSports assistant.

To get involved in the RecSports at any level students are to organize their own teams and fill out a roster. As of this semester rosters can now be turned in online. Each team is to choose a captain to attend the captain’s meeting Sept. 1.

Schedules and rosters can be found online or in Hart 227.

Students unable to find their own team can sign up on a free-agent list in the RecSports office (Hart 227). Teams that are short on players can then pick a free agent off the list, or a resourceful student can organize a team with the free agents.

Taylor said this method has never been extremely successful, but it’s worth a try.

Students involved in sports must have at least one class during the day. This excludes continuing education and off-track students.