By Jeremy Gonzalez, Sports Editor
When students think of a one unit class, it is normally a lab for a science course such as chemistry, biology, or geology. But one single-unit class at CSUDH gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of different sports, sharpen their skills in a sport they’re familiar with or just use the class as a means to keep the “freshman 15” away, while still having the class count as credit. Welcome to Kinesiology 180: Intramurals.
There are 19 sections of KIN 180 for fellow Toros to choose from. Each section represents a specific sport, with basketball and soccer being obvious choices, but even a sport like fly fishing is available for students to learn. A wide variety of activities are made available for students to learn or continue developing their skills in that respective activity.
George Wing, the director of intramural sports, and Wayne Timmerman, the intramurals programs assistant, are the two men who oversee all the sections of the class with the help of student assistants in each section.
The KIN 180 sections are scheduled twice a week so students get a minimum of two hours per week. Some sections are used to teach the basics of a sport to students who want to learn how to play and learn the rules of that sport.
The intramural class of fly fishing is one of those classes that begin by teaching the fundamentals. Their area of practice is the pool located next to the gymnasium on the south side of campus.
In October, the class traveled to Bishop Creek for their annual trip to practice what they learn in the class.
“This is our sixth year taking the students on these adventures,” Wing said. “It has been a great experience for our students to explore and enjoy the outdoors of our state while practicing their skills.”
Other classes, like the soccer class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, are a bit more competitive since the students who sign up have been playing that respective sport for some time now, usually a couple of years worth of experience. Having familiarity with the sport means the participants can set up their own teams and play a scrimmage for the entirety of the class.
Some participants have been playing soccer since they were in elementary and middle school and their knowledge of the sport increases the intensity of the scrimmage games. Some students think that it is more than just a class.
“This is a fun way to come out, relieve some stress and enjoy soccer throughout the day,” said Juan Urias, a Kinesiology major. “It allows students to take a little time off from academics to interact with other students on campus in a sports environment.”
Whether it’s the interest of learning a new sport, keeping skills sharp at a sport already known or just wanting to be active and stay in shape, KIN 180 is a class that can fulfill any of those wishes. Who says you can’t have fun and get college credit?
