For many university students, the transition from high school to college is a high-stakes balancing act. Between learning new systems and schedules and the pressure of finding new social circles, the academic grind can quickly become overwhelming. However, a number of students at Ohio State Lima are finding that the secret to academic success isn't just in the classroom, but on a playing field with intramurals and open recreation opportunities.
A buffer against burnout
As students juggle the rigors of a college education with school, work and social obligations, mental health has become a top priority. Regular physical activity is proving to be a great stress reliever, helping students stay sharp both mentally and physically.
“It is my hope that students show up, have fun, make lifelong friends, and relieve some stress from classes and work,” said Amy Livchak, coordinator of student engagement. “More importantly, I hope that students make lasting memories. These years fly by and everyone is working on the goal to graduate and start their career. Life happens and taking the time now to engage in fun activities or open themselves to new opportunities will be a choice they won’t regret.”
Building more than just muscle
Intramural sports serve as an easy entry into the social scene on campus and a skill incubator. While the games provide a healthy outlet that can boost mood, they are also quiet engines for professional development.
For Jacob Lipps, a junior in finance and a student intramural ambassador, the programs he shares with his classmates are less about elite athleticism and more about having fun, friendly competition, and participation. Bringing intramurals to his fellow Buckeyes has helped him as well.
“Organizing a group activity in intramural sports significantly improved my overall experience by helping me feel more connected and confident,” he said. “Taking responsibility for organizing schedules and communicating with students pushed me outside of my comfort zone and strengthened my leadership skills.”
Flexibility for busy schedules
For students like Jacci Mericle, the draw is the accessibility. Intramurals allow students to engage in physical activity, fitting moments of fun and recreation seamlessly into a hectic university day. Whether it is basketball, flag football or volleyball, these activities offer a way to build physical and emotional resiliency and expanded social circles. Students can continue sports they are familiar with and explore new types they can carry forward in life.
“Playing an intramural sport in college can help with making new friends and adding to your college experience,” said Mericle, a junior in business administration and student intramural ambassador. “It allows students to have a physical activity that they can do in between classes or even after them.”
In addition to official intramurals in flag football, volleyball, basketball and bowling, Ohio State Lima students can also play kickball, whiffleball, soccer and floor hockey. They have also ventured off campus for snowtubing and river rafting. Open recreation opportunities in the gymnasium include jogging, walking, basketball, whiffleball, floor hockey, soccer, corn hole, pickle ball, kickball, badminton and table tennis. The new fitness center in the Perry Webb Student Life Building offers more ways for students to stay active, featuring free weights, kettle bells, nautilus machines, upright and recumbent stationary bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, ellipticals and stairmaster climbers.