MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- A flesh-biting, icy wind swept through the parking lot at the Barber Physical Fitness Center on Jan. 6, 2013, aiding the dropping temperature to sub-freezing levels. Although warmer and windless on the inside of the gym, the scheduled start of the 2014 intramural basketball season was the same fate: frozen.
Unfortunately, due to some season planning, the first games have been delayed, said Robert Anderson, Intramural Sports director. We hope to start the season within the next seven to 10 business days.
Among other seasonally hosted sports such as volleyball, softball and flag football, Marine Corps Base Quantico provides a basketball league from January to April for Common Access Card holders who meet the age and service status requirements.
“All the guys go out there and want to compete real hard,” said Anderson. “[And the great thing about the league is] anyone can come from the ashes and have a good record.”
Anderson said that the 18-team, two-division league is never predictable.
Last year the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group team that won the championship came back from a previous year’s record of 1-15, said Anderson.
Although the delay may be a let down for some, at least one team is still focused on the future.
“Last night [the first delayed game] was a little bit of a disappointment,” said Michael Spencer, assistant coach of the Marine Corps Systems Command team. “We will move forward starting next week. We finished No. 1 in our division last year and our goal is the championship.”
For those interested in joining the league, Anderson said to contact the coach of the perspective team or contact him at the Intramural Sports Office, 703-432-1475, for a point of contact.
Once the season begins, games will be played Mondays-Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil
***Update***
Intramural Basketball started Jan. 13, 2013.