It's up, and - swish; three points and one.

It was such an impressive play; it's too bad only five guys got to see it. But the glory isn't what the intramural program is all about.

Intramurals are there for the good times and bonding with some buddies.

They're there for the love of the game and the joy of the feeling of sinking the game winning shot.

For some, they're there as just something to do. But the fact of the matter is, they're there for the students.

Volleyball, flag football, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, dodge ball, tennis, and softball: the intramural program provides a variety of sports to cater to the students here on campus.

"I base my decisions on what to run, on how popular an event was in the past and also through what I hear from the students," said Director of Intramurals and Assistant Director of the Pitt Center Liz McGreevy.

Last spring soccer drew over 250 students and this fall both flag football and basketball drew over 200 each.

Varsity sports may be entertaining to watch and enjoyable to play, but they'd likely have a hard time accommodating for 200 players on one team.

Intramurals offer a great outlet for students who want to continue playing a sport they love without the pressures of a varsity team.

In agreement is senior Doug Hamilton who has played flag football, wiffle ball, volleyball, and basketball.

"It was a really good time and it was a good way for all my friends to get together and have fun," said Hamilton.

Lucky for the students, McGreevy and the intramural staff are always looking to make new additions to the program.

"These programs are for the students, so they should be what they want," said McGreevy. Accordingly, there is a suggestions box on the intramural Web site in which students are invited to leave feedback or ideas for new programs.

Currently in the works are field hockey and badminton.

"Intramurals open so many doors," said McGreevy.

They provide a method for students to make new friends, to continue playing sports they love, to try new sports they may be interested in, to let off some steam in a fun way, and to become a bigger part of campus.

Also, McGreevy points out that there are great prizes to be won, such as the intramural championship t-shirts, which everyone seems to love.

McGreevy has also given away gift certificates to places like Tommy's and Foot Locker.

"One year the prize for wiffle ball was a trip to Fenway Park," said Hamilton.

In the past there has never been a full time director for the intramural program.

McGreevy, who took over the position in Jan. 2007, has big aspirations for the program. She is currently working to form a relationship with the management of the golf course next to campus, which may open some doors for an intramural golf team to be available in the future.

"There is a lot of building, expanding, and developing going on," said McGreevy.

"I would love to see this office grow into a full-fledged recreation department."

McGreevy's big dream for the expansion of the program, based on the students' responses to intramurals so far, seems within reach, and the growth of intramurals will hopefully show within the years to come.