Coed volleyball attracts record numbers

by Desi Newman – Horizon Features Editor & Kendra Burkey – Horizon Advisor

Coed intramural volleyball kicked off Sept. 4 with ten teams competing in the best-attended event intramurals director Bryan Kehr has seen in five years. Around 100 faculty, staff and students are playing in the tournament, which will run through Thursday, Oct. 9

Kehr, who leads intramurals with the help of student coordinator and freshman Sam Rimann,  says the numbers have a lot to do with the first-year students. Even the annual Dutch Blitz tournament turn-out has tripled.

“The freshman class is participatory,” he said. “Numbers are up all around.”

It also helps that volleyball is a pretty nonthreatening game, Kehr said. But there’s more to it than that.

“I think there’s a good vibe on campus and kids are just enjoying being together,” he said.

Students on campus seem to be getting excited to keep the tournament competitive. Freshman Lucas Caywood is one of them.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the new people on my team, and having some good competition,” said Caywood.

Freshman Abbie DeWild, whose team is now 1-3, is hopeful her team can offer that competition.

“I was super excited to play, but a little bummed that we lost our first two games. I know we will get them next time,” said Dewild.

Competitors can check their email for a schedule of game dates and times. Good luck to all who participate.