Groups students compete in summer intramurals program

For members in IU’s Groups program, the fun has finally begun. Last week marked the start of the intramural summer season for these students, which kicked off with two days of extreme dodgeball in the racquetball courts of the Student Recreational Sports Center. \nExtreme dodgeball is played in the small, confined area of racquetball courts one and two at the SRSC, which feature glass walls and stadium seating. This viewing option proved perfect for the swarm of fans that came to cheer for their favorite teams. \n“(Extreme dodgeball) is a lot harder than it looks.” incoming freshman and Groups member Rafael Ishman said.\nAfter two days of elimination rounds, team Killa Squad was named the intramural Extreme Dodgeball champions. They conquered nine other Groups teams before being crowned the winners.\nThis week also marked the beginning of intramural flag football, which is played at the North Fee Lane fields behind John Mellencamp Pavilion and the tennis complex. The first rounds of play – which were practice games – took place Tuesday, followed by the actual tournament Thursday. \nDespite the high heat index on the fields, most Groups members expressed excitement about playing football. However, a few did not.\n“I’m not (excited),” said Groups member Chris Brinson. “I have a bad neck today.”\nOverall, the majority of the members were anticipating their chance to play. Ishman, who played football in high school, was looking forward to getting out on the field again after a career-ending injury. \n“It’ll be a nice, little way to relive the glory days.” Ishman said.\nFormer players such as Ishman helped the female participants, as well as inexperienced males, learn plays and the basics of the game. Although the experienced members of the teams were all male, the female members of Groups were also excited to toss around the pigskin. \n“I’m ready to smash somebody,” said member Eboni Rushing. “I don’t think the guys are ready to hang \nwith us.”\nNext week, the Groups members will head to the IU Outdoor Pool to play each other in water volleyball, which has never before been offered at IU as an intramural sport.