By Maddie Saines
Intramural programming is going to look different than usual this fall for the Cleveland State University Recreation Center, with the switch to virtual intramurals. Traditional intramural sports have taken a back seat this fall due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Rec Center will still be offering programming including new virtual eSports leagues and virtual running programs.
The CSU Rec Center is currently offering a 1 v 1 Super Smash Bros league, 2 v 2 Super
Smash Bros league both taking place on Wednesday nights on the Nintendo Switch platform. It is also offering a 1 v 1 Madden league on Thursday nights, playable on both Xbox One and Playstation 4.
The Rec Center first introduced the eSports leagues back in April when CSU switched to
remote learning, however the turnout was lower than expected. Coordinator for Competitive Sports and Camps, Mackenzie Lamar said the Rec Center is reintroducing the virtual intramural league in hopes it will gain more popularity amongst students.
“We are hoping to have good participation to kick off the semester,” Lamar stated.
The Super Smash Bros league begins this Wednesday, Sept. 9 and the Madden
league begins Thursday, Sep. 10.
A virtual Running Intramural is also a new addition to Rec Center programming this fall.
Students participating in this intramural will be given a distance to run on their own time over the course of a week. They will submit their stats to a leaderboard over a 6-week program. Details on participating in this program will be up on the Rec Center page on Vikes Connect.
Rec Center intramural programs are split into two sessions. Due to COVID-19 concerns, session one will only consist of virtual eSports and running. Programs for session two are still being evaluated, however the Rec Center hopes to continue to offer virtual eSports including more games playable on PC.