Billiards is one of the many programs Pitt State Intramurals offers.

Intramural sports apply to variety of student interests

Getting students to play isn't hard, especially when it's fun. That's how Vince Daino feels about Pittsburg State University Intramural Sports. Daino, director of intramural sports and the new student recreation center, speaks with excitement about what his program has to offer and the future growth it holds.

According to Daino, intramural sports have historically included the standards of basketball, flag football and volleyball. However, recent trends show the popularity of "playground" sports growing. Whiffle ball, tetherball, kickball, and foursquare are not just for kindergartners anymore. Participation in newer sports like ultimate Frisbee also continues to grow.

"We want to offer what students like and we want to offer what will encourage good participation. You don't have to be a superstar athlete to participate in our programs," explains Daino.

Coming up with new ideas is never easy, but Daino brings to the program experience he has gained over the past 15 years. He worked in the same PSU department as a student and eventually moved on to direct the club sports program at Purdue University before returning to Pitt State last summer.

Daino also relies on student input. The program now employs its first-ever graduate assistant, Dan Lind. Along with other student employees, the team regularly brainstorms for fresh ideas. A Freshman Experience survey is another source for gathering student suggestions.

The program is also looking to reward league champs with prizes other than the traditional t-shirt. For example, Dano is hoping to award prizes such as an I-pod or a Gorilla Bookstore gift for the winners of a planned sports trivia tournament.

Other additions that Daino hopes will gain student involvement include offering sports that are of international student interest, such as badminton.

"Overall, we're just trying to apply to the interest of today's Pitt State students," Daino said.

With the new Student Recreation Center set to open this summer, Daino is setting high goals for intramural sports.

"We expect program growth to be phenomenal," Daino said. "I have a personal goal of getting 50 percent student involvement."

He is currently working with an advisory board to set standards, rules and procedures for the use of the new facility.

Current and upcoming leagues are listed on the Pitt State Intramural Sports Web site at www.pittstate.edu/recsports/. For more information, contact Vincent Daino at vinnie@pittstate.edu, Dan Lind at danlind@cox.net or call the office at 620/235-4673.

---Pitt State---