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Thursday, Feb. 27
The Indiana Daily Student

sports

February Madness for amateur athletes

More than 3,000 IU students playing IM basketball

For many IU students, high school marks the end of serious, organized athletic competition. Unless one possesses the athletic ability of James Hardy or the heart of Errek Suhr, most likely, their playing days as an athlete are minimal. \nHowever, through the IU's division of Recreational Sports, students are provided the opportunity to further their glory days as a competitor and experience the emotion and adrenaline rush of "March Madness." For more than 30 years, Rec Sports has organized and developed one of the most successful and elite intramural basketball programs in the nation. With 431 teams competing this season in 15 different leagues, from co-ed to MBA, students all across campus compete for a chance to play in Assembly Hall -- the site of the championship games. In fact, there are more teams participating this year than there are high school basketball teams in the state. Satoshi Kido, assistant director of the intramural sports program, said he feels the love of basketball in Indiana is a major reason for the success of the program.\n"Students have a passion for basketball here," he said. "RecSports is doing well marketing wise, but it's ultimately up to the students to show their pride toward basketball."\nAfter a three-week season is played, teams that have an average sportsmanship rating of 3.0, attend each game and participate in a mandatory meeting before the season started qualify for a single-elimination tournament. The top two teams in each division that survive the grueling process play a championship game at Assembly Hall, with many IU varsity players and coaches spectating. Throughout the later rounds of the tournament, competition heats up and players' emotions may take over.\n"Although the winner only gets a T-shirt, much more is at stake," said senior and three-year participant Mike Gasser. "Being able to stay alive for as long as possible and having the opportunity to play at Assembly Hall is why this competition is so intense. Although this league is for fun, winning games is what really matters."\nWhile the program is meant for students to have fun, many students take the games seriously and it's up to the student officials to control the game. With more than 115 student refs regulating the competition this season, maintaining order is vital. \n"Look at the NCAA and NBA," Kido said. "Are (officials) perfect? No. Do they make mistakes? Yes. Are they missing calls? Yes. It's part of the game. It's part of the basketball game. But the more knowledge and experience an official has, the better the game and program will go."\nBefore the season starts, student officials must attend two demanding meetings. The first one serves as an overview about the training and general information about the program. The next meeting involves a three-hour process in which students go to various stations to learn about the rules, policies and regulations of the league. student officials must also attend two nights of practice games in order to be eligible. Although this is a challenging process, Craig Adams, head official and president of the Intramural Officials Association, feels it's essential for the success of the program.\n"We have gotten it all down to a system of rules that, when followed, create a great environment for our employees and participants," he said.\nOne of the most popular aspects about the program is its ability to attract a variety of athletes. Senior and four-year participant Rachel Shuster, said she appreciates the opportunities the program has given her and sees it as something to look forward to during a week of classes.\n"Usually I can't wait for the weekend to begin because of class," she said. "But now I can't wait till the middle of the week because I get a chance to take part in an activity I love -- playing basketball."\nWhile Kido understands that the student's ultimate ambition is to win games, he wants participants to enjoy the game as much as possible.\n"This program is for the students, by the students," he said. "My goal is for everyone to stay active, socialize and, most importantly, have fun"

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