A look back at the history of intramurals
By Peter Sblendorio
Staff Writer
During the 2007-08 school year, Coppell ISD introduced a new strategic plan spelling out the steps for graduation. While the plan is vital for students to earn their diplomas, perhaps its most recognizable aspect has been the implementation of intramural sports to CHS.
In an effort get more students involved with school activities, CHS instituted the idea of intramurals. In spring 2008, Ultimate Frisbee became the first intramural sport offered in school history. Volleyball and three-on three-basketball were also introduced for the first time in the year and were immediately popular among students.
This immediate success left CHS administration satisfied with its decision to implement intramural sports two years ago.
“I think that it was a great idea,” assistant principal Sean Bagley said. “I have seen students get involved when they may not have had the opportunity if not for intramurals.”
The fact anyone was allowed to play regardless of skill or grade led to immediate results. About 400 students took part in intramurals in the programs first year, leading the CHS administration to offer three more sports: flag football, four-on-four soccer and dodgeball in 2008-09.
In the second year, more than 700 different Coppell students signed up to play at least one of the six sports. Intramurals remain popular this year and the involvement among students continues to increase in the program’s third season.
Students, too, embrace intramurals, as it is an inexpensive way to take part in organized friendly competition with classmates.
“[Intramurals] have given me the chance to play sports at the school that I would never play otherwise,” senior Aaron Ingram said. “It was a great idea [for CHS] to make them.”
Perhaps the biggest draw of intramurals over the past three years is the sports offered are not traditional high school sports. None of the intramural sports are much like what is played competitively at Coppell High School, and this has given students the chance to try something new.
“Obviously dodgeball and Ultimate Frisbee are not UIL, but they are still great sports,” senior Baxter Rodman said. “I was on the winning Ultimate team in its first season. [Intramurals] have given us a chance for more competition and more fun. “
Part of the reason that intramurals are seeing so much student involvement is that it is inexpensive to play. No sport costs more than $15 per player.
These fees also benefit the school. Coppell ISD has not had to pay a penny to host intramurals, as the playing fees cover equipment and intramural champion T-shirts. In addition, all sports are played on a CISD campus, meaning the district does not pay for playing spaces.
Intramurals have been a hit among students its their inauguration at Coppell High School. It is succeeding in promoting more school activities to students, and it has started a tradition that is sure to last for years to come.
