By Chris Vaccaro

The start of school not only gets you back in the academic swing of things, but allows you to become involved in the many activities that the Uiversity has to offer. Intramural sports and recreational activities help take your mind off studies, and allows for a fun and energetic time.

So if you’re not doing anything for a while – no it’s not time to have a Snickers – join an intramural sport at the University.

“Our program offers a great opportunity in terms of student involvement,” said Pat Montagano, Director of Recreation and Intramurals. “We encourage all students to participate in the program, and have a wide variety of sports.”

There are three sports for both the fall and spring semesters. In the fall, students can participate in flag football, outdoor soccer and five-on-five basketball. For the spring, stadium soccer, three-on-three basketball, and volleyball are played.

The University’s spring stadium soccer offers a chance for students to play under the lights at the soccer stadium, something not many can say they’ve done.

Don’t be surprised to see some of your professors competing against you on the playing field. Faculty and staff members are allowed to participate and take in the athletic atmosphere as well.

The program isn’t only for the hardcore sports person, but anyone with even a mild interest in athletics can get involved.

“We do not just cater to real competitive people, but also cater to the more recreational type of students who are looking to just get involved and play, and reap the benefits of the sports that we offer,” Montagano said.

If you’re having trouble finding teammates, that’s also not a problem. The Recreational Center will place you on a team, and find a spot which fits your needs.

The University’s main goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle for its students, through physical activities, competitive conditions, and social interaction.

If you’re worried about competing against the regular varsity athletes in their own sports, it’s not a problem. They are allowed to play in other events, but not in the one that they wear Pride colors for.

“The regular athletes can not participate in their particular sport,” Montagano said. “A football player can not participate in the flag football league, but can in any other sport.”

It’s an easy process to sign up for activities. All the signup sheets are located at the Rec Center on the north side of campus.

“We try and make it as easy as we can,” Montagano said. “All the information is at the Rec Center, and we distribute promotional information throughout the campus to highlight events.”

As far as the recreational activities, there is a long list of events. From ultimate frisbee, handball, and tennis, to bench pressing, softball and a homerun derby, everything is covered.

The first recreational activity of the year, the singles tennis tournament, began Sunday. Intramural sports begin on Sept. 20.

Fraternities are given the opportunity to participate for the All Sports Trophy. With a points system and breakdown, fraternities can compete against one another for the celebrated campus award.

Mandatory attendance from either a designated team captain, representative or any individual looking to participate is required at the managers’ meetings for fall and spring sports, which are held on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. at the Rec Center.

More information can be found at www.hofstra.edu/campusL/intramurals or by calling the Department of Recreation and Intramurals at (516) 463-6958.

Smaller Daily Activities:

If you’re in the mood for a cardio workout, one of Hofstra’s many free daily activities may be of interest as well. The University offers aerobics, kickboxing, toning/sculpting, step, personal training, aikido, self-defense, and dance. All of which can be signed up for at the Rec Center. This goes for the weight room which is open to all staff and students also.

Anyone who enjoys a night at the lanes would be interested in Hofstra’s faculty/ staff bowling league, which meets on Monday nights at East Meadow Lanes.

Intramural soccer, basketball and football leagues are very popular for Pride students. (James Parziale)