Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
St. John's University offers a comprehensive intramural sports program through Campus Recreation, enabling students, faculty, and staff to engage in competitive athletics without the need for Division I recruitment. The program provides opportunities in basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Participants need only a valid StormCard to join.
Dorothy Longworth, Director of Campus Recreation, emphasized inclusivity: "No one is turned away, we don’t leave out anyone who wants to play." She added that the program is cost-free for students and offers necessary equipment such as gloves for softball or belts and flags for flag football.
Hector Blaise ’17CPS, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, noted the program's long-standing history on the Queens campus and its growing popularity. More than 900 students are participating in the Fall 2024 semester with games held at various locations including Belson Stadium and Jack Kaiser Stadium.
All sports are co-ed with soccer, softball, and volleyball requiring mixed-gender teams. Basketball offers both competitive and recreational divisions. Seasons begin each semester and conclude with playoffs before final exams.
First-year student Erika Seymore shared her experience: "The most important thing has been the friendships I have built." Meanwhile, Aston Bonitto, a sophomore Biology major and basketball team captain in the recreational division stated: "The attitude of my team is we want to have fun more than anything else."
Campus Recreation accommodates all levels of competition. Mr. Blaise said some players seek high-level competition while others enjoy a social atmosphere: "Some players—maybe they played in high school—want a higher level of competition."
In addition to main sports offerings, there are dodgeball tournaments and open gym nights. Rev. Hugo Medellin participates actively in these events stating: "It is great for the students to see me in a less formal setting."
Games are primarily held on weekday evenings favoring both resident and commuter students. Student workers officiate games under Mr. Blaise’s guidance who also brings experienced referees occasionally.
Intramural basketball features Red Storm managers lightly coached by Brady Dunlap and Simeon Wilcher from the Red Storm Men’s Basketball team.
Mr. Blaise continually seeks ways to enhance participation spirit through initiatives like a “free-agent combine” where participants demonstrate skills similar to an NFL Scouting Combine.
Creative team names add another layer of enjoyment according to Erika Seymore: "Naming your team is like naming your fantasy football team."
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