Pickleball began this past week, and a record-setting 21 teams signed up to play for an intramural T-shirt. The five-week season is one of the most competitive tournaments on campus.
“It’s definitely competitive,” said Bobby Russel, a first-time referee. “If you’re having a rough day, you can come here and have fun and be with your friends.”
“There’s a lot of excitement around pickleball,” said Intramural Director Luke Bradburn. “Many students ask about when the season starts, so we continue to get more teams every year.”
Intramurals also open up work-study positions, allowing those who wear the zebra stripes to gain valuable officiating experience.
Paul Oros serves for team Bel Air FC. Photo by Ryan Phillips.
“It can be really stressful when you make the wrong call,” said first-time referee Jamaica Walker. “It’s so much fun though.”
“It’s a great atmosphere on pickleball game days,” Bradburn said. “Those who play tend to stick around and watch the other games.”
Week one brought back 2023 champion Logan Corgan and 2024 champion Owen Murray, whose team, “Cucumbers,” dominated “Hold My Pickle” 11–1.
“We come into every game being ruthless,” Corgan said. “We may not have any difficulty in the regular season, but we might in the playoffs.”
“I hit my shots and that’s all we needed to do today,” Murray said. “It’s time to move forward to next week.”
Pickleball and 3v3 basketball will continue through November as intramural athletes compete to crown the next campus champions.