University of Virginia Library

Encompasses All Facets

IM Department Has Growing Pains

By Bob Nigro

"To build sportsmanship in men
while providing a program of
organized athletics" is the purpose
of the Intramural Department here
at the University.

While offering formal competition
in over 30 sports, as well as
providing instruction and equipment
in numerous others, the
intramural program makes an effort
to reach every student.

In years gone by, it was basically
the fraternity man who benefited
from High Point competition in
team sports such as football,
basketball, and softball. As the face
of the University changed, the
Intramural Department h grown
and diversified. They no sponsor
Independent leagues in all major
sports in addition to constantly
building their program to include
sports now in demand. Full programs
are now offered in such
sports as tennis, squash, golf, and
even putt-putt and pocket billiards.

Under the direction of Coach
Butch Slaughter, a 25 year veteran
on the University Staff, and his
Assistant John Lafley, the entire
program has grown to be among the
most comprehensive in the nation.
Most of the organizational work,
however, is carried out by students
who spend their afternoons either
in the offices located in Memorial
Gym or on one of the many fields
around the Grounds. The department
provides many enjoyable jobs
for students who desire to earn a
little extra money.

During the 1968-1969 academic
year records show that over 21,000
pieces of equipment, everything
from footballs to polo mallets, were
checked out to 2,200 students.
Countless more used the Gymnasium,
Swimming Pool, Handball
Courts and other facilities that are
kept open every night until 11.

Coach Slaughter's staff does not
operate just on a nine month basis.
This past summer they became
more involved in community service
than ever before. When they
acted as coordinators of the Charlottesville
area President's Physical
Fitness Program, they had so many
local children trying out for the
All-American team that they were
forced to use University Hall as well
as the Gym.

Also the IM department works
in conjunction with service groups
and local churches to find boys and
girls who desperately need athletic
equipment. In the past year many
underprivileged kids and sandlot
teams have been fully outfitted by
the generosity of the Intramural
Department.

All in all, the IM Staff has built
a program that has room for every
student in the University. They
invite everyone to come and participate
in the activities in which he is
most interested.