Chaminade University students are expressing a strong desire for the return of intramural sports, a key component of campus life. Once a popular activity that fostered community ties, the availability of these events has dwindled in recent years.
Declining Intramural Sports at Chaminade University
Last year, the university saw no major intramural tournaments, and this year has been only slightly better. Many students feel the absence of these activities has been disappointing.
Student Sentiment
Ethan Langkilde, a student who participated in the 2024 intramural basketball tournament, reminisces about the camaraderie associated with these games. He noted, “I do miss playing intramurals because I got to bring all my friends together on one team. You can say that everybody misses it.”
Factors Behind the Decline
Several factors have contributed to the decline of intramural sports at Chaminade. According to Andrew Ancheta, the Director of Student Engagement, staffing shortages and leadership changes have significantly impacted these programs.
- Four directors have served from 2021 to 2025.
- Each had different priorities regarding intramural sports.
- Only one full-time staff member currently manages these programs.
Recent Changes and Events
The Office of Student Engagement did manage to hold a successful 5-on-5 intramural basketball tournament in Spring 2024, drawing more participants than typical Chaminade basketball games. However, this level of organization requires significant planning and resources.
Future Prospects for Intramurals
The Student Engagement department is working to offer alternative activities, such as a pool tournament held in October. While these smaller events do not capture the full essence of traditional tournaments, they aim to keep student engagement alive.
- Upcoming small-scale events planned for Spring 2025.
- Previous tournaments faced challenges related to sportsmanship and competition stress.
Despite the challenges, Ancheta affirms that intramurals remain vital for student interaction. “Yes, they certainly bring groups of students together,” he stated.
The Call for More Opportunities
Students are eager for the reestablishment of larger intramural tournaments. Many seek more ways to connect and build community through sports. The enthusiasm of students like Langkilde emphasizes the importance of these activities. He said, “Playing in McCabe with all my friends was one of my best memories of being here.”
As discussions surrounding resources and leadership continue, the hope is that intramural sports will eventually return to vibrancy, enriching campus life once again.
