Men's Intramural Update: Delta triumphs over Upperclassmen

The rematch between the Upperclassmen and the men of Delta Gamma Sigma was set to be an incredible rematch between two powerhouse teams. Instead, the real game of the week happened in the semifinals.

The game between Delta and the men of Kappa Sigma Tau started similarly to their regular season matchup, with Kappa knocking 10 runs right off the bat. But Delta refused to panic and went to work, slowly keeping pace with Kappa until they caught up with them. The usual suspects were at work in this game for both teams: Brayden Olson and Sam Hegeman made an invaluable impact on Kappa’s offense and defense, while Jack Briton and Ryan Chacon kept Delta in the game. Due to Oklahoma Christian’s intramural rules, Delta was able to force a much-needed seventh inning, giving them one last chance to get back in the game. Delta shut Kappa out and secured the needed runs to take the game.

While Kappa rolled over the freshmen in consolation play, the upperclassmen walked into the final down star outfielder Damien Talamantes. Losing a playmaker like Talamantes was detrimental, as the upperclassmen ran out of steam late in the game. It was far from a blowout, however, as the rest of the team stepped up and stayed in the game for as long as possible. This year’s upperclassmen team has been fun to watch compete, and with most of their roster (all but 4) rushing Chi Lambda Phi, this is a crew fans should be able to see more of.

Here is the updated All-Sports standings in the men’s division:

First: Delta Gamma Sigma (120)

Second: Upperclassmen (110)

Third: Kappa Sigma Tau (60)

Fourth: Freshmen Class (40)

Tied-Fifth: Chi Lambda Phi and Alpha Gamma Omega (0)

Intramural Athlete of the Week: Cole Adkins (Delta Gamma Sigma)

Adkins has always played a reliable role for Delta: Sit off in right field where action is minimal, take a couple swings at bat and do not throw the game. But this year, Adkins took a larger leadership role and calmed Delta down after falling behind early against Kappa. His consistent hitting all year backed by his fielding awareness has finally rewarded him and his team with a softball championship.

First Runner up: Jack Brookshire (Upperclassmen)

Having to make an adjustment in the championship when you are missing a star player is difficult, but Brookshire stepped up to the challenge. While Brookshire was a staple all year for the upperclassmen hitting and fielding, he solidified his status by hitting a two-run homer in the final that almost cleared the fence. Do not be surprised if you see Brookshire’s name come up in future intramurals.

Second Runner up: Steven Holland (Upperclassmen)

Stepping into the role of third baseman, Holland played out the season as one of the best. Whereas some infielders would have let the ball slip past them, Holland’s length was key in stopping the ball and limiting hitters to singles. And when he picked up a bat, he swung for the fences with ease. It is hard to say how much of Holland’s athleticism will be used by Chi given his status on the Oklahoma Christian basketball team, but if he continues to compete, clubs will need to watch out for him.