So you’re new to the University of Utah and have no idea what to do with your free time. Stay calm, don’t be afraid, and dare I say – you’re in luck.
There are an endless number of activities on this campus offered to students through various clubs and programs. There really is something for everyone – you just have to know where to look.
Whether it’s joining the Freeskier Society and hitting the slopes, attending on-campus concerts like Redfest and the Grand Kerfuffle, or getting out of town and taking a weekend trip with Outdoor Adventures, the list of things to do at the university is long.
Undoubtedly, one of the most accessible and entertaining recreational activities on Utah’s campus is college sports.
Intercollegiate sports have been a college tradition for over a hundred years and have been the heart and soul of campus athletic competition since 1913. That year, the first intercollegiate athletic departments were established at Ohio State University and the University of Michigan. Since then, campus recreational sports leagues have spread like wildfire, encompassing nearly every institution and most major sports.
The university hosts intercollegiate sporting events throughout the year. It’s easy to take part and a great way to meet new students.
Overseen by Campus Recreation Services and the Student Life Center, high school sports in Utah offer a good middle ground for sports participation. High school sports are generally less competitive than club sports programs and more competitive than backyard or home-based sporting events. Another benefit of high school sports is that they have their own rules and guidelines and are refereed to ensure fair competition.
According to the 2023-2024 Intramural Sports Manual, “The Intramural Sports Program offers competition in a variety of sports and events. We offer: Open (no gender requirements) and Co-Rec (men and women combined on one team) leagues and divisions with the option of a competitive or recreational experience in major sports… A wide variety of team, dual and individual sport experiences are offered. Anyone with any skill level or experience is encouraged to participate.”
At this point, you may be wondering what collegiate sports are offered at the university. Well, there are plenty of options, split over four semesters – two in the fall and two in the spring.
In the fall, flag football, basketball, indoor and beach volleyball, outdoor soccer, and ultimate Frisbee are typically offered. In the spring, popular sports like flag football, basketball, and outdoor soccer have an additional “season” while other sports like indoor hockey, tennis, and pickleball are offered. These sports are just the tip of the iceberg, as students can also participate in lesser-known but equally exciting sports like inflatable water polo.
For the sports listed above, competition generally involves one or two games per week. Most sports are extremely flexible, with multiple competition nights per week to accommodate all school schedules. Plus, if you’re feeling particularly sporty, you can always play multiple sports at once.
“Intramural sports are probably one of my favorite activities while in college,” said Nicholas Moeller, a former student who graduated in 2021. “I played both tennis and indoor volleyball and had a great time competing with some of my closest friends. We even managed to win the indoor volleyball tournament one time and I will never forget the feeling of lifting that trophy.”
For those without a team, CRS also offers a “free agent” registration option. As a free agent, you will be paired with other students looking for a team or placed on a team that still needs a player or two. Registering as a free agent is a great way to get involved and find friends with similar interests.
If a full sports season is too much effort for you, CRS also offers a handful of short sports tournaments. One-day tournaments for sports such as kickball, table tennis and beach volleyball are available for those who want to participate in a low-key, yet competitive, sporting event.
With a student ID, you get access to all the sports leagues and tournaments offered by Intramural Sports for a one-time payment of $30 (per semester). A small price to pay for potentially countless hours of high-quality sports competition. Intramural Sports is the right choice if you want to continue playing sports in college.
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