CSU East Bay students had their sneakers tied tight in anticipation for the opening of intramural sports Monday night, as it opened under new management and with new goals for this year.
The Recreation and Wellness Center will host five sporting leagues in hopes of promoting student activity, friendly competition and skills development for CSUEB students.
Co-ed volleyball and basketball will be offered, as well as competitive leagues for both sports.
Newly appointed sports and activities coordinator, Corey Gazay, said he expects to unfold a memorable year of intramural sports.
“I definitely have high expectations,” said Gazay. “I want to build excitement on campus and have intramural sports [be] the thing to do on weekdays.”
Gazay, a former graduate assistant for Competitive Sports at the University of Florida hasn’t wasted a moment since being hired.
Gazay has already implemented new “3 vs. 3” leagues for both basketball and volleyball, with volleyball being the only one available for the fall quarter.
“The new 3 vs. 3 leagues cater to students who do not have anything going on in the afternoon,” Gazay explains. “It allows students who have a long day of classes to break up hours of studying and play the sport they love.”
Gazay is focused on promoting a simple sign-up-and-register process for students who are eager to participate.
“The only thing a student needs to do is have a membership to the RAW and post a five dollar team fee to play,” Gazay said. “If the student does not sign up the first week of the quarter, it is never too late for them to contact me to be placed on a team.”
Gazay’s focus on a simple registration process for intramural sports accommodates students like Omarr Mclean, a junior kinesiology major who said he can’t wait to get back on the hardwood and play basketball with his team “Cash Money.”
“Basketball for intramurals gives us students something to look forward to while on campus,” says McLean.
McLean, a second year participant of intramural basketball, commends the Recreation and Wellness Center for providing leagues available for students.
“Intramural basketball has taught me how to have an appreciation for the sports we have offered to us on campus,” he explained.
From one court to the next, Rachel Alvarez, a kinesiology major, retreats to the volleyball court for some peace and relinquishment from the everyday stresses of classes.
“It helps me stay relaxed and get somewhat of a work out in regardless of the sport,” says Alvarez. “Mentally, it allows students to get a break from schoolwork.”
Alvarez credits the league for bringing students together for friendly competition, giving them an opportunity that would not be afforded anywhere else.
“I am looking forward to the competitive aspect of volleyball,” says Alvarez. “But playing with my friends on the same team takes off that competitive edge and makes it more fun.”
The volleyball leagues offered have brought in a crowd very pleased and Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President Jerry Chang is even participating with some of his fellow ASI delegates.
The experiences of Mclean and Alvarez complement Gazay’s vision and commitment to providing a memorable sporting experience for all students. This speaks to the future direction of intramural sports and its goal of keeping students seeking more competitions.
“After students play, I want them to ask me ‘Whens the next game?’” explains Gazay. “Once people come to the games and see what it’s about, we have them hooked.”
