Written By: Carlos Daniel Martinez
BrooklynCollegeAthletics.com
With intramural sports shut down, Brooklyn College has filled the gap with an intramural fantasy football league where any student can take part in joining a virtual league competing against fellow students.
As the university went online, so too did the school’s intramural leagues, and the Athletic Department at BC wanted to find something to fill that void.
“Offering this league is one way we are looking to keep students competing and socializing with other students,” Said Alex Lang, Associate Director of Athletics and head coach for the Women’s Basketball team, who helps run the league.
“So far the feedback has been great and the students that have gotten involved seem to be engaged,” he said.
The league has forty-four participants sign into a league that is broken down into four parts. Two groups of 12, and two groups of 10.
As with some fantasy sports leagues that accept members who pay a fee to enter, Lang on the other hand says that “there is no fee to play – it is free and open to all students.”
Once it was apparent BC’s fall sports would not take the fields, courts, and pitches, Lang and his colleagues wanted to find a way to keep the sporting spirit alive, albeit remotely.
“The idea came from brainstorming what type of activities we could offer remotely,” he said. “This is one that many people are familiar with and enjoy already. I wouldn’t say that it has always been a passion to begin a Fantasy Football League at B.C, but it has been a thought, and the timing now is perfect.”
With 44 participants, many are supportive of the fact that the league exists at a time when people could use a time to reconnect with friends and acquaintances.
“Fantasy Football makes me see football in a different way. It brings out the competitive spirit in me,” he said.
“I enjoy doing the research that allows me to excel in the league,” said John Koundouroudas, a Kinesiology major in his senior year.
For some students, the league was a way for them to get involved in the BC school spirit.
“During this time, I’ve found it hard to join clubs, especially since this is my first year. Fantasy Football became an easy way for me to feel involved and connected with other students who have similar interests. I appreciate that Brooklyn College organized this for us!” said Lauren Zami, a freshman student also active in the online league. One of her favorite aspects of it is seeing all the planning come together, “…like before the draft and seeing those efforts come into fruition throughout the season,” she said.
For those interested on how to join for next year or have any questions, they should contact Alex Lang or Sports Information Assistant of Scheduling and Intramurals, Tim Slakas.
While the window to enter into an NFL fantasy league may be closed, those who are interested can at least expect to join the NBA fantasy league when it is fully announced to everyone when the new season comes around.