CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
The 2012 Co-Ed Touch Football Team Champions “Bangers” got fit and had fun with intramurals.

The combination of a crazy class schedule and a strict diet of cafeteria food and energy drinks might wreak havoc on your body as you adjust to college life. The Freshman 15 is not an urban legend like Bigfoot or Gary Busey; it is a very real thing and can happen to you.

In high school, you never had to worry about staying in shape; gym class and playing on different sports teams throughout the year battled the bulge. If you still have that competitive itch and are looking for a great way to stay in shape, kill some stress and have a blast doing it, look no further than intramural sports here at Fanshawe.

Starting in September and running throughout the year, Fanshawe's Athletics department offers a number of intramural sports and activities for students to enjoy. All intramural sports are completely free to play and all equipment is provided by Athletics.

The intramural program emphasizes fun, fair play and participation for all levels and abilities of students. Intramural sports are open for teams and individuals, so even if you can't gather a team but still want to play, they'll place you with a group. Games are scheduled at lunch, breaks or whenever is convenient for you.

“We hope that all students can come out and play no matter what their skill level” said campus recreation officer Nev Carson. “What matters is getting a good sweat and having some fun.”

All registered Fanshawe students are eligible to play; sign up a team by filling out the application form on the Fanshawe Athletics website — check out the deadlines for each sport in the sidebar. Players can keep up to date with all activities by liking the Athletics Facebook page, which lists upcoming games, rankings and cancellations and posts pictures of all the intramural action for everyone to see.

Fanshawe Athletics also offers Open Recreation time, where students can come in and use the gym for whatever different kind of activities they wish. Starting September 17, students can come in and use the gym for basketball, dodgeball, floor hockey and whatever else they can think of between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. They're more laid-back environments where people can organize a pickup game or just shoot a ball around.

Throughout the day there are also open gym times available, where students can come and rent equipment. A valid student card will give you access to the wide range of equipment Fanshawe Athletics has at its disposal to play any number of sports. “This is a perfect way to spend some time on breaks between classes,” said Carson. “If you're waiting around anyway, grab some buddies and shoot the basketball around or play some ping-pong.”

For open recreation days, check out the gym schedule at the Athletics Office (J1034) and for open recreation nights, check out the posters around campus and the open recreation page.

For more information about these programs and to fill out the application form, go to www.fanshawec.ca/athletics.

The fall schedule is up now, so get your team together and register early.

September 11
Co-Ed 3-Pitch Softball
Co-Ed Flag Football

September 18
5-on-5 Basketball
Co-Ed Volleyball

October 2
Cricket
Co-Ed Indoor Soccer

October 11
Men's Ice Hockey
Women's Ice Hockey