Carson-Newman intramural program goes online

Carson-Newman students rally their team prior to an intramural game of Kiddy Pool Kickball, one of 40 different events offered through the University. In an effort to better serve its student body, C-N’s intramural program is offering a new online component this semester.

Carson-Newman University recently announced a new component to its high-energy intramural program that will offer students a user-friendly experience – online.

Students can now organize teams and sign up for various events completely online through IMLeagues.

“Before, everything had to be done manually,” explained Ricke Hester, Carson-Newman director of Recreational Services. “For years students had to register for events on paper at a central location. This new system allows students to register online, form teams and keep up with intramural team records.”

Founded by two brothers, Greg and Doug Myers, IMLeagues was launched in 2008 with the desire to make lives of intramural directors easier while helping students become more involved in intramural sports.

“It has really become the trend,” said Hester of partnering with the North Carolina-based organization to better serve Carson-Newman students.

Hester says he thinks the added convenience of C-N’s intramurals going online will only enhance an already thriving program. Carson-Newman offers some 20 intramural events each semester that includes such primary sports as basketball, softball, soccer, tennis and flag football. But it is C-N’s reputation of offering “outside the box” events like Kiddy Pool Kickball, Rock Climb Challenge, Family Feud and Laser Tag that has help set it apart from programs offered at many other schools.

Beyond offering students an outlet of exercise and stress-relief, Hester says intramurals are a perfect fit with the University’s emphasis of “campus community.” “It’s just a good social interaction tool,” he added. “We talk to a lot of students who tell us about meeting many of their friends through intramurals.”