ASU Intramurals to Kick Off on New Turf

About 130 intramural flag football teams of Angelo State University students will kick off the 2014 season on ASU’s newly renovated artificial turf intramural fields starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, across Jackson Street from the Junell Center/Stephens Arena.

ASU’s new intramural complex covers more than 235,000 square feet and includes three 7-on-7 flag football fields, four 4-on-4 flag football fields, two softball fields, two soccer fields and a rugby field. The $1.8 million artificial turf installation project was funded through the Revenue Finance System with the debt to be repaid over seven years through the Outdoor Facility Conservation Fee paid each semester by ASU students. Installation of the turf was completed in late August by Hellas Construction, which also installed the turf at ASU’s Mayer Softball Field and LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.

“Thousands of our students participate in intramurals every semester, and we want them to have the best possible experience,” said ASU President Brian J. May. “Without being able to water, there was just no way we could maintain the grass fields to the standards our students expect and deserve. We notified students of the new fee in the spring, and they were very supportive. Everyone is excited about the new fields.”

ASU’s intramurals program has been recognized nationally by The Princeton Review. Intramural sports at ASU include badminton, basketball, disc golf, dodgeball, flag football, golf, kickball, racquetball, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball. Co-recreational flag football team IM Legends has won four national intramural championships in the last five years, and ASU basketball teams also regularly compete in regional and national tournaments.

“Extracurricular activities like intramurals are an important component in students’ overall college experience,” said Dr. Javier Flores, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “The new complex enhances what was already a strong program at ASU and will definitely be another aspect of our campus that will help recruit and retain students in the years to come.”

Intramural flag football games will be played at ASU’s new complex from 7 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and from 8-11 p.m. Sundays this fall semester. Kickball and soccer teams will begin using the new fields in late October and November with softball starting next spring. The Ram Rugby Football Club will also practice and play at the complex.