Intramural basketball, or ”Murley Ball” is a winter tradition here at Owatonna High School. Every year, Matt Skala organizes a league typically consisting of eight teams to compete on a weekly basis in the month of January and into February. Unfortunately, gym space has been hard to come by this winter. With many cancelled boys and girls basketball games, the rescheduling lands on the dates of intramural basketball. The schedule has been pushed back a bit and the first games are now scheduled for Monday, Feb. 4 at 8 PM. In order to be eligible to take part in the basketball extravaganza, you cannot be an active member of a winter sport. Each team must have both young men and women on the court at all times, as well.

The purpose of the whole thing is to have fun while competing in a  non-varsity sport setting. Senior and former basketball player Michael Schmitz said, “I am playing because it’s a fun way to interact with my friends. It also gives me a chance to be competitive.” To join, the fee is $20. Anybody is welcome to join a team. “The cutoff date to join is the fourth of February. If you are interested at all, come see me,” Skala said. No matter your age or athletic ability, there is a place for you. If interested, be sure to see Matt Skala before Feb.4 with your $20 fee.