Windward Community College is known for its lush green campus and plethora of educational programs, but it has its sports side too.
The IM LeeSports League is a program that offers intramural competition to all community colleges on O‘ahu and UH West O‘ahu.
This semester, students can gear up for sports such as basketball, soccer and softball. The only requirement for participation is maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
Basketball starts Feb. 15 with late afternoon games at Halawa Gym. Soccer and softball will be available in April with games at Moanalua Community Park.
While game days depend on the sport being played, players for WCC will drive to town to face off against other campuses such as Leeward Community College, Kapi‘olani Community College, Honolulu Community College and UH West O‘ahu. Naturally, this can bring on a competitive mindset.
“Sports like football and basketball get pretty competitive, but in the end it’s all about sportsmanship and the love for the game,” said Roblyt Custodio, IM LeeSports League senior staff member. “But it does get competitive.”
However, there is a sense of camaraderie.
“The intramural sports program is mainly to help promote friendship, sportsmanship, and a healthier lifestyle through exercise,” student life coordinator Autumn-Raine Hesia said.
“Students should join the intramural program because it’s a great opportunity to network with other community colleges including West O‘ahu,” added student life specialist and intramural coach Makani Tani. “They’ll be able to meet other teammates and even advisors. Also, you get the team bonding and meet friends.”
Freshman intramural player Mark Viloria, who played flag football last fall and will play basketball this spring, agrees that intramurals have a bonding type of atmosphere.
“Nobody’s really my favorite teammate,” Viloria said. “I treat them all equal.”
For more information or to sign up, visit the Student Activity Center in Hale ‘Ākoakoa 232 or call 235-7395.
by Ivan Joseph Garo, Special to Ka ‘Ohana