As students begin to ease back into their normal routines, spring intramurals are also beginning at the University of Alabama Student Recreation Center.

For some students like Matt Schmitt, intramural sports serve as a way to stay in shape and compete in a sport that they love.

“I think intramurals are an awesome way to be active at school, outside of academics,” Schmitt, a fifth-year senior majoring in business marketing, said. “It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests and just a ton of fun.”

Geena Marshall, a sophomore majoring in public relations, has participated in intramurals for two years. She said she loves playing intramurals, so she ran and was elected for the position of the director of intramural sports in her sorority.

“I think intramurals are a great way to do what you love to the fullest,” Marshall said. “You aren’t pressured by practicing your life away or doing poorly in front of your coach or teammates because there are no coaches. You are simply out there to have fun and do what you love.”

Some of the 16 intramural sports th offered to students this semester include basketball, racquetball, soccer, bowling, softball, flag football, ultimate frisbee and kickball.

Schmitt, who will participate in basketball, soccer, softball, flag football and kickball, said he is looking forward to the spring season of intramurals.

“I’m most looking forward to getting back out there and competing, getting back in shape and, hopefully, winning a lot of games,” Schmitt said.

Anyone can sign up for intramurals. There are four leagues students can sign up under: general participation, greek organizations, honors students and residential communities. The teams in these leagues will compete throughout each sport’s five-week season.

If students are interested in playing an intramural sport, they can join one through the intramurals registration website, IMLeagues, which can be found on the University Recreation website, urec.sa.ua.edu. Once they are registered with IMLeagues, students can join existing teams as free agents or join a team with their friends. For questions and more information, contact the Office of Intramurals online or at 348-8055.