The role of intramurals has evolved throughout the years. What was once a widely attended facet of the Fairfield social life has become merely an event for the participants. Recently, changes have been made in an attempt to popularize intramurals. The major event in the last year was the turning over of intramurals from the Athletic Department to the Division of Student Services.
“As the size and scope of Division I athletics has grown,” said Mark Reed, dean of students, “the amount of time and resources that the Athletic Department could reasonably give to recreation was compromised.”
With the change, Students Services is working to coordinate Intramurals more closely with university activities. The department considers intramurals to be a priority program, which allows intramurals to become their own entity within the organizational process.
“Intramurals is a great opportunity for students,” said Deirdre Slater ’02. “But, I think in order for it to be more popular and bring in a bigger audience, Fairfield has to advertise it a lot more than it has been.”
The intramural staff has worked to alleviate these concerns of the student body. In the past year the number of students that have participated in intramurals has increased from 1190 to 1548.
Phil Palumbo, director of the Quick Recreational Complex, believes these numbers are a result of the intramural staff, which includes students Ryan Pacifico, Rick Briamonte, and Steve Comly. According to Palumbo, the effects of the changes have been felt earlier than anticipated due to the staff’s efforts to publicize Intramurals.
“The main goal for the change was to enhance recreation activities for students,” said Intramural Coordinator Ryan Pacifico ’02. “We are aiming for greater participation.”
Intramurals have also become more popular to female students. The number of female athletes participating has increased from 85 last year to 360 this past year. Palumbo credits the increase in female participation to the success in indoor soccer and the current co-ed softball season.
“Intramurals are better organized this year than in previous years,” said William C. Freda ’03, intramural referee. “I can show up to work and know most of the time there will be two teams ready to play.”
“The entire quality of Intramurals has gone up,” said Brian Skurka ’03. “From advertising, fliers, updates in The Mirror, to stats during the games and the ability of the referees.”
Intramurals has a long history within the Fairfield community where students come together to compete. Before the construction of the Quick Recreational Complex in 1978-79 students played intramural basketball in Alumni Hall. Due to scheduling, some games were not played until as late as 3 a.m. but were widely attended.
“I just want there to be a place to play,” said Joe Angelini ’04. “I don’t care if people come to watch, I just want there to be my team and the opposing team and a ball…that’s all I need.”
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