Campus camaraderie: FVCC's intramural program brings students together
LYNNETTE HINTZE | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 8 months AGO
<p>Jessica Poe congratulates teammates and opponents after a game on March 11 during Flathead Valley Community College intramural basketball at Stillwater Christian School.</p>
<p>Karissa DeMarco puts up a shot Tuesday night during a Flathead Valley Community College Intramural basketball game at Stillwater Christian School. March 11, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Jeremy Grosswiler puts up a shot Tuesday night during a Flathead Valley Community College Intramural basketball game at Stillwater Christian School. March 11, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Sarah Bengford talks to a student Tuesday night during a Flathead Valley Community College Intramural basketball game at Stillwater Christian School. March 11, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Issac Morden drives to the hoop Tuesday night during a Flathead Valley Community College Intramural basketball game at Stillwater Christian School. March 11, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
<p>Players stretch between games Tuesday night during a Flathead Valley Community College Intramural basketball game at Stillwater Christian School. March 11, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)</p>
From Wii boxing to night skiing on Big Mountain, Flathead Valley Community College students are tapping into the college’s intramural sports program offerings in record numbers.
The intramural program, which started four years ago, provides free or low-cost sporting opportunities for students. Basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, flag football, softball and soccer are among the most popular team activities. Hockey, ping pong and trivia competitions are other activities regularly offered.
“The program has grown tremendously,” said Sarah Bergford, the intramural program coordinator and lone staffer for the program. “It’s a great asset for the college.”
Bergford coordinates the activities week to week with help from a couple of work-study students.
More than 350 students participated last year; that’s about 10 percent of the FVCC student body. Participation doubled in the first year, Bergford noted.
Currently FVCC is renting gymnasium space at Stillwater Christian School.
“It’s been a challenge to get a [basketball] league,” she said. “We adapt our style of play with how many students show up. If there are 25, we break up into four teams and do a round-robin-style of play, kind of like a tournament.”
A midsemester basketball tournament is planned over the next couple of weeks.
While it’s organized play, there’s no pressure to come to practice each day, Bergford said.
The college constructed an outdoor basketball court on campus last fall, which will enable the intramural program to host basketball events on-site.
Some sports are played at local parks, typically at nearby Northridge Park.
“It’s a program designed for healthy recreation outlets and an opportunity to meet other students,” Bergford said. “It breaks down those barriers and provides a safe, fun environment and a way to develop friendships.”
Intramural activities are open to all FVCC students with valid student ID cards who are enrolled in at least a one-credit course. Faculty and college staffers also are welcome to participate.
For more information, go to the Intramural Sports segment of FVCC’s website at www.fvcc.edu.