At University of Detroit Jesuit, intramural sports (IMs) are a key part of student life. Whether it’s the sense of competition, the fun of playing with friends, or the excitement of cheering from the sidelines, IMs bring a sense of energy to the school year. With five different sports to choose from; basketball, football, wiffle ball, kickball, and dodgeball students eagerly fill their lunch periods with action, sportsmanship, and school spirit. For many students, intramurals offer a way to relax, build strong friendships, and showcase pride within their homerooms. IMs at U of D Jesuit are scheduled during the lunch periods. Each grade takes turns playing in either the first half of A lunch or the second half of B lunch. This scheduling gives every student a chance to participate, whether they are on the court or cheering from the sidelines. For many students, these games provide a welcome break from the pressures of academics. As Omari Cannon, a frequent participant in IMs, explains, “The atmosphere is always high-energy. People are passionate, and you can feel the excitement in the air.”
While playing is fun, watching the games is just as exciting. The sidelines are often filled with students who cheer loudly for their homerooms. “It’s not just about the game, but the entire grade coming together,” says Justin Freeman, a senior who has won multiple IM championships. The energy of the crowd is contagious, and the competition grows with each game. The trash talk, which all in good fun, also adds to the lively spirit of the games. For students, the excitement of winning an IM championship is a big deal. But the excitement goes beyond just claiming the trophy; it’s about the pride in representing one’s homeroom. Justin, who has experienced the joy of winning several championships, says, “It feels amazing. I love taking pride in my homeroom and our accomplishments. I hope to continue to do so.” The victories represent the collective effort of each member of a homeroom, and the feeling of accomplishment is something that stays with the players long after the game is over. “We’ve all got each other’s backs,” Justin adds. “When we win, it’s like a family victory.”
Omari Cannon, who recently won the football championship, shares a similar sentiment. “It feels great. We’ve been wanting this since freshman year, and finally, this was our year,” Omari recalls. He points out that the victory wasn’t just about the win itself, but about the journey with his teammates. “We’ve come close every year, but now we got it. What are they gonna say now?” The moments of victory are unforgettable, whether they come after a buzzer-beater in basketball or a game winning touchdown in football. Justin recalls the excitement of his basketball championship win. “When we won the basketball championship, it was incredible.” Omari, on the other hand, remembers the high-energy moments after his football team’s victory: “After the game, when they called the win, it was like, 4 to 1 and there was high energy all around.” The joy of victory is only grown by the cheers of friends and classmates who share in the celebration.
While the championships are important, the real value of IMs at U of D Jesuit lies in the relationships students build through their participation. These sports aren’t just about competition; they also build teamwork, support, and unity. Justin highlights the importance of his homeroom’s sense of togetherness: “What I’m most happy about this year is how close our homeroom is. We’re like a family, and that’s what makes the championships even more special.” Omari echoes this claim when reflecting on his team’s journey to victory. “It’s not just about the trophy,” he says. “It’s about the bond we’ve built along the way.” These connections are a core part of the IM experience, as students work together toward a common goal and support each other through both victories and losses.
Omari, who regularly participates in various IM sports, agrees that the games are a great way to recharge during the school day. “You can just go out there, have fun with your friends, and not worry about homework for a while,” he says. The games offer a chance to focus on something fun and competitive, and the social interaction gives students a much-needed mental reset. While intramurals are meant to be fun, the competition can be fierce. Students take pride in their homerooms and do everything they can to win. “It gets intense,” laughs Omari. “We talk a lot of trash, but at the end of the day, it’s all in good fun. Everyone just wants to win.” The friendly trash talk between games is part of the experience, and it keeps the atmosphere fun.
The role of spectators cannot be overlooked either. The energy in the stands adds to the excitement of the games. “More spectators would be awesome,” Justin suggests. “Having a crowd to cheer us on makes the game more exciting. It brings a whole new level of energy.” Omari agrees, adding, “We need more of a student section out there, like a real hype squad. It’d be great to have more students getting loud and showing their support.” The cheering and chanting from the crowd help fuel the players’ competitive spirit and remind everyone how much fun it is to be a part of the school community. As the year progresses, students are already thinking ahead to the next season of IMs. Justin is eyeing the upcoming basketball season with determination: “I’m coming for that championship again,” he says with a smile. Omari shares his excitement: “We’re coming for that basketball title too.” Whether it’s the intensity of football or the fast-paced action of basketball, students at U of D Jesuit are always ready for the next challenge. For many, the anticipation for the next season is just as thrilling as the game itself.
Intramural sports at U of D Jesuit are more than just a break from academics or an opportunity to compete. They’re a vital part of the school’s culture, creating a sense of community, boosting school spirit, and fostering friendships that last long after graduation. With five exciting sports to choose from, passionate players, and a supportive student body, intramurals are a highlight of student life at U of D Jesuit. Next time you find yourself walking through the gym or passing by the field, take a moment to stop and watch the action. You might be inspired to join in the fun, cheer on your friends, or even become the next champion. Who knows maybe your homeroom could be the one to take home the next IM championship trophy!
