The intramural basketball season is underway. Students who walk through Creighton’s Kiewit Fitness Center at the right time of day will be able to watch some interesting basketball games being played.

When it comes to intramural sports it doesn’t matter how tall someone is, how strong they are or their current skill level. If they want to have fun, need to exercise or they just enjoy the game of basketball people who have played in the league would definitely recommend they sign up to play next school year.

Arts & Sciences junior Jack Haley is a veteran intramural player who has participated in both three-on-three and five-on-five basketball over the last three years

“I recommend everyone to play,” Haley said. “It’s a fun environment, fun game, and it’s a great way to stay in shape.”

Current and former intramural players said that there are many benefits from playing intramural basketball, and students play for a variety of reasons.

There are different levels for players of all kinds of experience, and all are encouraged to sign up. Arts & Sciences senior Joe Kelling is a current walk-on on Creighton’s men’s basketball team and also participated in the five-on-five intramural basketball league in the past.

“It was a great experience,” Kelling said. “I played basketball in high school, so I thought it would be a good way to continue to compete in basketball.”

For those whose basketball skills are not that good, that shouldn’t stop them from participating, according to one intramural participant. Arts & Sciences sophomore Sarah Budney said intramurals are not all about winning games, but more about having a good time while you play and getting to meet new people.

“Intramural basketball is good exercise even if you don’t have any experience with the game,” Budney said. “Depending on how competitive of a team you’re on, it’s just a fun opportunity to meet some people and play a friendly game of basketball.”

Playing intramural basketball is an easy way to get exercise. It can be boring running around a track or on a treadmill for 40 minutes. But when you can dribble, pass and shoot while running down the court with your friends a 40-minute game would fly by in no time.

Intramural basketball can also help students’ social life because they get to meet new people in a positive environment, which will make it easier to make new friends. Arts & Sciences junior Sinead Siems has now played three years in a row, and she can attest to how intramurals can help participants meet new people.

“My social life has changed after playing intramural basketball, especially when we would be short one or two players a few of my teammates would invite other people to come and play with us to fill the open spots and then we’re all pretty good friends,” Siems said.