“We understand that students have to work, do homework, and take care of their families,” said Leandro Esparza, College Athletics Coordinator at Palo Alto. “We want to let the students know that they can come in and we will work around their schedule.”
One student who has taken advantage of that opportunity is Adriana Garcia, a freshman at Palo Alto. Garcia enjoys participating in the program because it is fun.
“I enjoy doing extra things around the campus and playing different sports,” Garcia said. “It takes my mind off things and gives me something to do during my spare time.”
Another activity that can be done with intramural sports is challenging other school organizations to tournament games. For example, Campus Crusade for Christ can challenge any other student organization on campus to a four-on-four volleyball game.
“We want student input regarding ways of making the intramural program a strong and enjoyable experience,” said Esparza, who is now set up for feedback after recently moving into a new officewith a new phone extention.
The intramural sports program began last semester with a few activities offered. However, with Esparza now settled in his new office space, he is ready to lead the program to new heights during the Spring Semester and into the future.
“We never had a program that is dedicated to developing and implementing true recreational sports activities,” Esparza said.
On January 22, Ivan Montalvo, a freshman at Palo Alto, finished first place in the basketball three-point contest in which participants had to make a certain amount of shots from the three-point line to advance farther in the tournament.
“It is fun to come out and do what you enjoy doing,” Montalvo said. “Especially when you win.”
Other sports offered in the program include chess, checkers, weight lifting, tennis (singles and doubles), golf and horseshoes. Esparza emphasized that students don’t have to be athletic to participate.
“We want everyone to come out and have fun,” Esparza said. “If you are new to the school or don’t know a lot of people around campus, this is a good way to have social interaction.”
Students also enjoy participating because of the break it gives them from everyday college life.
“It helps me with my school work, because I am able to clear my mind from junk and everything else that goes with college life,” Garcia said.
Students who are interested in signing up for any of the activities or tournaments can go to Room 103 in the Gymnasium/Natatorium complex, e-mail Esparza at lesparza@accd.edu or call him at 921-5509.
“Everyone should be able to participate and have fun, and that is why we are doing this,” Esparza said. “We want to create a stress-free environment.”