Whether you are the type of player to cross two people over before pulling up and nailing a jump shot, or the type of player that dribbles off your own foot only to see your opponent pick it up for an easy layup, there is a league for you.
Intramural basketball at Creighton provides a great time for basketball players of all different experience and talent levels.
Games are played in the Kiewit Fitness Center Monday through Thursday nights by undergraduate, professional students and a small group of people that only use the fitness center as a place to work out.
Sophomore nursing student Michelle Picconi plays to revive her passion for the game and to have a good time with her friends.
“My favorite thing about IM basketball is just being able to play again in an organized setting where people are still competitive, and of course playing with friends,” Picconi said.
Business sophomore Andrew Beske feels the same way.
“I have always had a passion for basketball and I am just continuing to play throughout college. Favorite thing about IM basketball is the fact that you can make your own team with the group of guys you want,” Beske said.
Regardless, people are usually having fun, even the officials. Arts & Sciences junior official Jeff Feldhaus actually enjoys refereeing more than playing. When Feldhaus is a competitor, he prefers a more novice level, but as a referee he enjoys the more high-level games.
“I like playing novice because I like winning,” Feldhaus said. “I like being a ref for the elite or competitive games. Depending on the game, those are the best. The players are more fundamental and talented, the game is definitely more intense.”
Just because everyone is having fun does not mean people do not care about the end result.
“I always have fun and I always want to win,” Beske said.
Picconi, who plays for fun more than anything, still enjoys when a game goes her way.
“It is definitely more about having fun, even though winning is always nice,” Picconi said.
Feldhaus agrees that intramural basketball can be a good time for everyone.
“For officials, it is a way to build confidence, responsibility and a bank account. For players, it is a good way to exercise, relieve stress, meet other people and have a good time,” Feldhaus said.
Things aren’t always so pretty for officials. Feldhaus has witnessed some pretty ugly things, including nasty injuries and nasty words. However, he still enjoys the excitement of it all.
“Being in the moment and feeling the energy is just as exciting as an official as it is for players,” Feldhaus said. “However, obviously, intramural sports can be ugly. The players are never satisfied. You take a lot of heat and need tough skin, especially with college students who oftentimes think they are right. It takes confidence to stand up to what they say and not let it affect you.”
While Picconi said that she would not make any changes to intramural basketball, Beske just wanted more of it.
“The changes I would make would be more games and a season in the fall,” she said.