On campus, it would seem to be pretty hard to find athletes, non-athletes, frat guys, sorority girls and honor students all in one place.

But it is not that difficult if you check out Eastern’s intramural sports program.

About half the student population enrolled at the university are also active participants in the program.

Students can sign up for a team the first week of school and competition begins after Labor Day giving students an opportunity to check out all the sports.

“It’s great,” said Kevin Linker, the program’s director for the past 13 years. “It’s very enjoyable to see so many students participate.”

Linker said students play other important roles in intramurals besides playing.

Most of Linker’s staff is comprised of students.

They help him budget activities and referee games.

“I got a great student staff,” he said. “It usually changes from year to year, but it’s great. I’m always excited about a new school year and students being involved and having a good time.”

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Traveling Trophy will be presented to last year’s winners at halftime during Eastern’s Hall of Fame football game against Indiana State.

The winners were Sig Pi and Alpha Phi in the fraternity and sorority division and Taylor and McKinney for the residence halls.

Chris Pontecore, a swimmer for Eastern, plays in the intramural sports during his off-season.

He plays to “stay in shape and stay active.”

His ultimate Frisbee team, Flip Mode Squad, consisted of other athletes and non-athletes and they took first place in the Frisbee league.

“It’s pretty cool for athletes and non-athletes to get a chance to compete against each other.” Pontecore said.

Another Eastern swimmer, Zac Trendelmann, was on the Flip Mode Squad.

“It’s an excellent chance for people to be able to compete and have fun without having to be permanently obliged to compete,” he said.

His teammate Brandon Hudnall agrees.

“It’s nice to play sports competitively and have fun without getting psyched out.”