The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It’s your mind you have to convince.” – Vince Lombardi
Students of Newman University are challenged to step outside their comfort zones and push past mental barriers, as intramural sports are back for another exciting year.
Intramural sports help students unwind from college stress and make connections across campus.
Student life provides the equipment needed (aside from appropriate footwear) and the events are open to all Newman students. The rules of intramural sports are simple.
“Anyone can come and watch — even friends from different schools and family,” said student life’s graduate assistant Mikenna Barcelona. “However, we do have sign-up sheets to make sure the students commit to participating so the (residence hall assistants) and I can plan accordingly.”
Barcelona of Paloma, California, is a member of the softball team and 2024 graduate who majored in sports media and promotion. She is excited to support student experiences through the skills she learned at Newman.
“My biggest goal as a graduate assistant of student life is to help students get more involved with events here on campus, help them connect with others and possibly make some lifetime friends,” Barcelona said.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Barcelona is grateful to have students of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and a strong student life team supporting the efforts. In addition to Newman staff members, the team members are fellow graduate assistant Martina Lolli, student worker Alberto Romano, as well as RHAs Quinn Toomey, Nathan Galicia, Alex Schreiner and Hayley Bonython.
“Our job here is to help the students grow,” Director of Student Activities Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman said. “If we don’t empower students to try, I feel like we’ve defeated our purpose. Seeing Mikenna help build intramurals back up with the help of our team behind her is incredible.”
Dean of Students Andi Giesen added, “It’s intentional to have Mikenna behind this effort based on her interests, skills and talents. She is quiet but mighty because she pulls it off. There’s no doubt when she handles something, it’s going to be done well.”
Spreading the word through humor
The student life team has found success in promoting events by making pre-planned comical videos.
The student life Instagram account recently released a slow-mo video for the upcoming costume dodgeball tournament on Oct. 29 to the tune of “Only Time” by Enya. With a spin on Snickers’ “You’re not you when you’re hungry” commercials, students even featured Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, in a video to promote a disc golf tournament in September.
The intramural team will announce a flag football event in November. More intramural sports will follow in the spring.
Students can sign up for intramural sports by visiting the student life office in Dugan.
Explore life at Newman
At Newman, students will experience a second home through connection with others, leadership opportunities and a one-of-a-kind education.
