Kean Recreation & Intramural League continues to expand
By Stephen Strom | Published by November 11, 2019
With over 13,000 students at Kean University, only 2,000 live on the main campus in Union. If you’re one of the 2,000 lounging out on a rainy night looking for some physical activity, look nowhere but Harwood Arena.
Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Harwood Arena has an open gym for basketball, soccer, dodgeball and volleyball games. Soccer is played on the outdoor field while everything else is played inside Harwood. Kean Recreation and Intramural Manager Daniel Sires has a clear vision of what he wants this to become.
“We want students to feel comfortable coming over to Harwood and being able to play whatever they want,” said Sires. “You don’t have to be the best player out there to come and play. We really encourage anyone to participate. Our main priority is to provide free fitness classes as well as intramurals to students, faculty, and staff.”
Kean University new 2019 logo.
Photo courtesy of Kean Instagram
Sires is also cultivating a spring basketball league at Kean that could reach up to ten teams with referees and possibly game jerseys.
“If we expand enough and start bringing in a decent amount of students I want to be able to get jerseys for the students,” said Sires. “It would be about $10 a person, you’d get a jersey and it can become even more official.”
Kean Junior Mike Morgan has participated at the Kean Recreation the last two years is excited to see the program grow.
“It’s really awesome that students have somewhere like Harwood Arena to go and be able to play pick up hoops or a competitive game of dodgeball,” said Morgan. “The amount of times I’m staring at a computer doing work is ridiculous and it’s nice to have an outlet.”
According to PyschCentral.com, college students spend up to eight hours a day on their phones. Sires recognizes that it may be time to put the phone down and get some exercise.
“I think in this day and age it’s so important for students to have a safe place where they can enjoy their favorite sport whether it be basketball or soccer,” said Sires. “Having a department for intramurals will get the students off their phone and into being able to interact with others and make friends.”
Those interested in the Spring Basketball league at Harwood Arena can head to IMLeagues.com and sign up. They can also reach Sires at dasires@kean.edu for any questions or concerns.
You must be logged in to post a comment.