Basketball fans need not just watch; intramurals offer chance to participate
By Jason Church Special to the Kansan
Basketball is alive and well at the University of Kansas, and not just in Allen Field House.
Jason Krone, assistant director of Recreation Services, said that 67 teams participated in last year's tournament and that he expects even more this year.
The sport's high popularity makes floor space a problem.
In club and intramural participation there are often more players than can fit on the courts.
Ryan Washatka, Topeka sophomore and an intramurals supervisor, said basketball was by far the most popular intramural sport.
"It's probably because it's such a basketball school," he said.
"So many teams want to play, but there is limited space," Krone said.
The tournament will run Dec. 2-10. Teams of five to 10 players will play in three divisions: men's, women's and co-recreational. Teams may sign up for the tournament between Nov. 18 and 26 at 208 Robinson Center. Each team will pay a $20 fee.
Washatka said he expected more than a hundred teams in the Pre-Holiday Basketball Tournament. That could include up to 1,000 players.
Robinson has the only indoor courts on campus, and much of the floor time is reserved for classes, team practices and other sport clubs and intramurals. With winter approaching, indoor court time is
even more in demand, he said.
Krone said that other intramural leagues would start in the spring semester. At the end of January, a league will open to all of the intramural divisions: men's greek, women's greek, men's residence hall, women's residence hall, men's open, women's open, co-recreational and a recreation division.
Krone said there would be a three-week regular season and then playoffs, each team being guaranteed at least four games. For that league, there will be a sign-up period, manager's meetings and scheduling meetings before the start of games. Krone said it was important for prospective teams to attend all meetings to be assured playing time. Dates have not yet been determined. Krone also said a three-on-three tournament with all divisions would take place later in the spring semester.
Washatka said intramurals were competitive.
"In the upper half of the open teams, you see some 6-foot-10-inch guys and some guys like Greg Gurley who used to play for the basketball team," Washatka said. "But you also see some teams just out to have fun."
Hamad Ali, Qatar freshman, is among the many students who enjoy playing basketball.
"We play basketball in my home country, and I enjoy playing it here," he said.
He said he appreciated the basketball atmosphere at the University.
"Everybody plays, and you can always get in a game," he said.
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The Hill November 19,1996