AC intramural sports have helped Amarillo College students stay fit while connected to AC.
By PERLA ARELLANO
Ranger Reporter
After AC ended its intercollegiate sports program, intramurals were the only sports program on campus. “There’s that communication sense that’s created by students being involved,” said Trena Rider, intramurals specialist, who has been with AC intramural sports for three years. “It gets them involved, knowing people, and it gives them a connection to have on campus.”
Kelsi Peacock, a social work and photography major, got involved with intramurals after Rider heard that Peacock had played basketball in high school. She has had the opportunity to go outside of Amarillo.
“I’ve gotten to travel a lot, and that’s a neat experience to travel at a college level and represent the school,” Peacock said.
Rider said that whenever a person is active, the body releases endorphins that help people think clearer and be positive and happier.
Gerardo Diaz, a physical therapist assistant major, has been involved with intramurals for three years, and he said he agrees. “It’s refreshing when you go to class and you already ran. It kind of makes your brain function a little better,” Diaz said.
Rider said she has seen that the program has helped with student success in school by keeping students connected with one another and informing them of campus activities. What students usually say to her, Rider said, is that they didn’t know the resource existed.
“Then the next thing I know, a student is being engaged on campus and they’re learning about different resources from other students,” Rider said.
Intramural sports are not only for people who are good at playing sports.
“I want students to know, whether they are a great athlete or whether they just want to try something out, they’re still welcome to come play,” Rider said.
Intramural sports are free. In the fall, intramurals offers a football league and a volleyball league, and in the spring are tennis, softball and basketball leagues. Weekdays, with the exception of Friday, intramurals has different sports happening.
Students can come with their ID from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays to play basketball. On Tuesdays and Thursdays are soccer from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and volleyball from noon to 2 p.m.
Students may get involved by coming at any of the times listed above or by talking to Rider at Carter Fitness Center. Students may get more information by visiting the website or join the Facebook page, AC Intramurals.
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