Bosco is a senior English and secondary education double-major and can be contacted at [email protected].

Intramurals’ second week of softball is well underway, and we have already witnessed some great competition. The typical first-week forfeits were unavoidable, but a few friendly matches took place with the teams who didn’t want to waste their walk down to the intramural fields. Because, let’s face it, everyone really plans for their intramural game to be their workout of the day. The weather has had a nearly perfect track record for game times, and thus is not an excuse for not showing up. For those still contemplating the credibility or fun factor of the most recent intramural sport, here are a few features of each league to look forward to.

Women’s/Sorority

Greek life typically presents enough of an interest in intramurals to create their own individual league, but this year, our independent teams have split the bracket half and half. With four sororities and four non-affiliated teams, we hope the politics of campus do not leak onto the intramural fields. Regardless of the females who are automatically judged athletically because of their lack of a Y-chromosome, I wouldn’t count all the girls out of some spectacular plays this year. To find the gems, look for the worn-in softball gloves, for the athletic stances in the outfield and for those tempted to wind up for a fast pitch at the mound.

Game to watch this week:
Alpha Phi v. Stally, Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Competitive/Fraternity

Some men at our school may feel some baseball withdrawal from the glory days in high school and thus look to softball for relief. Similar to several other seasons, Drake Intramurals was obligated to create separate fraternity and independent leagues this year. One of the greatest mistakes, however, for any male softball player to encounter is the temptation to aim for the fences and damage some random arm muscle or tendon after a giant whiff. One particular piece of advice is to remember that a softball is larger than a baseball, and eventually, it stops. Placement is key in this league, as most players in the outfield will probably be busy pestering the first-base official anyways.

Games to watch this week:
Big Chiefs v. Scared Hitless, Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Pike 1 v. Pike 2, Friday at 5 p.m.

Co-Rec

Most examples of the competition that include both men and women prove to be teams who are looking to just have a good time. For the co-rec teams who play at typical competitive levels, emotionally and physically, we end up with broken Facebook relationships and more stereotypical comments about male and female athletes. My cautionary warning to the players in co-rec leagues is to loosen up and prepare yourselves for the inevitable adult leagues you will play in one day. And remember, even if you can’t match up to the others on your team, wearing a professional baseball team’s shirt to the game will definitely increase your chances of victory.

Games to watch this week:
Kappa Psi v. The Lions, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

You can catch the softball action almost any day of the week, and I have heard great compliments about the sun tanning we have set up at the outdoor intramural fields. One rule to keep in mind as the season continues is that each player receives four pitches in total. As our more intelligent athletes have figured out, it’s probably best to swing at the last pitch no matter what. Also, any throw that goes out of play allows each runner to advance just one base, and sprinting faster to the next doesn’t mean you get another one. I am looking forward to seeing all of you out on the fields soon.

Until next time, please play by the rules.