[New] RELIGION

substantial amount of work to run Southern’s intramurals program — training and scheduling student referees, conducting captains’ meetings, keeping track of stats, etc. So, I admit, it would not be cheap for Southern to introduce competitive sports while continuing to maintain intramurals, which is embedded in Southern’s culture (just think about all-night softball). The university would likely have to hire more staff.

However, in the long run, I believe the program could become self-sustaining by increasing community interest in the university, consequently drawing in more students and perhaps more donors. The introduction of sports scholarships would attract even more young adults, and, as the pro- gram grew, ticket sales and merchandise could contribute to the budget.

If Southern maintained both programs, I do not think extramurals would overshadow intramurals. Sure, athletes on the school’s team/s would get more attention than intramural players, but first chair violin gets more attention than second chair. Club presidents get more attention than vice presidents, yet that doesn’t stop second chairs and vice presidents from doing what they love. If Southern introduced extramurals this semester, I doubt I’d make a team. That wouldn’t ruin my intramural experience; I go because I love playing sports.

Lastly, I believe extramurals, sports teams comprised of Southern students that travel and play other schools, would overwhelmingly enhance school spirit. We’d have something we could all root for together, people we could all pray for together and several opportunities to interact with the community together.

It would not be a simple task, but the idea of introducing extramural sports should not be dismissed by Southern’s leadership. Without a doubt, competitive teams would draw in more students and enrich the college experience for current campus members. Playing sports, for many, is a spiritual gift, and the university should, to the best of its ability, facilitate opportunities for all students to use their spiritual gifts on and off campus.