The Middlebury Campus

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Sports

Simran McKenna '08 enjoys some friendly competition in co-ed soccer. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Jeff Patterson It definitely looks like Heather Neuwirth '08 has the advantage in this 51-49 ball. [Click to enlarge]

Underappreciated. Overlooked. Haven for the not-as-athletic. These are all terms most associated with intramural sports. However, what you do not know about intramural sports participants is that they are also generally very good-looking, enthusiastic, outgoing and just as competitive as their varsity counterparts. Still skeptical?

With intramural sports in full swing, out-of-season athletes and conscientious participants are leaving it all out on the field.

Intramural football, a perennial hotspot for the ultra-competitive, continues to be the talk of the town. "Flea Market Montgomery," led by quarterback Matt Virtue '10 and speedy wideout Zach Harwood '10.5, is the early favorite after eeking out a seven-overtime victory in Week 3 to maintain its unblemished record. Hot on its heels is "Team 112-114" who, despite its thin numbers, refuses to give up.

With playoffs not too far off, look for Flea Market Montgomery to keep rolling.

Underdog predictions - Team Hooksit will hit its stride in Week 4 and make a late-season charge to the championship.

In co-ed soccer, it should come as no big surprise that Team Schweaty Balls is once again the team to beat. After being denied the title last year, this powerhouse, looks for vengeance this fall. Commissioner Mark Shimrock '09 can see that a fire has been lit under this team.

"They always have enough players for two teams and they have the most passion, hustle and enthusiasm," said Shimrock.

Underdog prediction - Team Domination Station will deliver a big upset in the coming weeks for the sheer fact that they have the best team name in the league.

As far as badminton goes, commissioner Joe Fallica '10 makes no secret of the fact that his league gets no love. They have no teams. Most of the time is spent thinking up new ways to use the term "shuttlecock," the best player is a Japanese professor and they have only two real courts with badminton lines.

All things considered, however, enthusiasm seems to be at an all-time high, and the shuttlecock jokes are reaching new heights. Underdog prediction - "You must not be controlled by the motion of the shuttlecock, but rather, control the shuttlecock with precision. As it is in badminton, so it is in life," said Fallica.

Aside from badminton, football and co-ed soccer, intramural sports also include a new tennis league headed by commissioner Diana Chiu '10, a young volleyball program that is being hampered by the Nelson Recreation Center construction and a men's soccer league.

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