Griffin Connolly

Loyola Academy Seniors crowded the gym during flex this year as the annual three on three intramural basketball tournament brought competition and school spirit in the middle of a rigorous day.

The double elimination style tournament is open to every grade level during their own flex period. Laid-back pick up basketball games quickly turns into a high energy competition where teams of three rotate with an extra sub and play fast pace games in the matter of 15 minutes.

But for Senior Tristan Cole the format makes the event especially unique.

“What really makes this different in my opinion is the teamwork,” Cole said. “ You only have three players and one sub on the court so it can get really tiring. Making sure that you have a teammate that can sub in and out is very vital.”

Since there is a limited roster size, the students have to rely specifically on the chemistry of the team as well as the communication. Tristan Cole said that the familiarity with the teammates and your friends can determine how well you do.

“I’ve been friends with my teammates for a bit now, so we communicate well,” Cole said. “ We know our strengths and weaknesses and that helps us play around what we can do best and what we don’t do best as that is an important task.”

Outside of the competition, many students can view intramurals as relaxation from the academic rigor of Loyola Academy. Flex, the 40 minute period right before lunchtime for the Senior class gives time for studying or having fun with your friends.

On the sidelines, teachers see a mix of attitudes. Mr. Anderson is one of the moderators at the flex basketball intramurals as he is a former Iowa high school basketball coach.

“For the most part, the kids are just having a good time,” Mr. Anderson said. “They don’t take it too seriously but they are also enjoying physical activities with their friends.”

On a sidenote, he noticed that some participants do treat this tournament like a national event.

“It is funny to watch the people that take it really really seriously like it’s the World Series or the NBA finals,” he said. “ Then usually they don’t have as much fun as other people and don’t do as well.”

Events like intramurals, Anderson said, can serve an important role in such a large school.

“We have a huge school so it’s really hard for everyone to be on a varsity sport,” Mr. Anderson said. “ It gives time to the kids who have more energy than others and to get that out of their system. While having fun in the middle of a school day and taking a break from the academic intensity.”

As the tournament continues, teams of three continue to battle through the double elimination style bracket. For Cole and other Seniors, winning would reflect teamwork in preparation outside of flex. But for other Seniors, that impact may last a while and may be less about trophies and more about the moments they shared together before graduating in May.