Throughout the school year there are different intramurals going on at Riverside Secondary school. The intramurals take place in the gym at lunch. It is run by the athletic leadership class and Riverside PE teacher and coach, Jeremy Neufeld. Anyone who wants to can build a team with their friends and join. Playing intramurals has many benefits. According to Neufeld, “It gives students who aren’t on sports teams a chance to compete with their friends and provides an activity at lunch time.”
As the athletic leadership class decides on the up-and-coming sports, it’s clear that the student leadership regarding intramurals has a positive influence on Riverside students who participate. Graydon Sherle, a grade 11 student feels that intramurals is a great way to meet people. “Many students enjoy playing intramurals because it helps people connect during lunch and just have fun playing sports,” said Sherle. Grade 9 student Jeord Shultz describe intramurals as “a fun activity I can play with all my friends.” Already this year, students have had the opportunity to participate in Volleyball, Soccer and Basketball. According to Neufeld, traditionally the next sports to be played are handball and spike-ball. With intramurals providing a space for connection and fun, it’s no wonder why students are excited for what comes next.
“It gives students who aren’t on sports teams a chance to compete with their friends and provides an activity at lunch time.” – Jeremy Neufeld
Intramurals have always been a part of Riverside’s history. Most of the work happens before the league has started, in organizing the intramural schedule, getting all the players and their team entered, and promoting all the teams. After the schedule is set, there is not a lot of work left. “All I have to do is supervise the games, make sure the games are starting on time, and people are cleaning up properly afterwards,” said Neufeld.
There are roughly 100 to 120 students who get involved. Some teams are the same no matter what sport they play, and they always enter as the same team. But mostly, get a wide range of different students for each sport. If you are interested in playing intramurals talk to Mr. Neufeld and make sure to follow the Riverside athletics Instagram page for updates.
