Intramurals pump up athletes and fans

The intramural basketball season wrapped up right before Spring Break, while intramural soccer kicked off March 15.

By Clint Longenecker
Contributing Writer

The week prior to Spring Break meant something more to Palm Beach Atlantic University students than just midterms week and the realization that a vacation was approaching. It also meant the PBA intramural basketball playoffs were beginning.

After a long, physical and hard-fought regular season, 13 men’s teams remained standing for a shot at glory.

When shooting hoops in his backyard, every child dreams about one thing and one thing only: being a PBA Intramural Basketball Champion.

With the level of competition so high and players willing to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious, who would come out on top?

Just like the NCAA tournament last year, in the early rounds of postseason play there were very few upsets and unsurprising outcomes, with almost every early favorite advancing. This set up a dream scenario for the finish.

In what would undoubtedly be the premier Final Four in PBA intramural history, the White Hawks, White Magic, Slothin and Jay Jackson and the Tito Jacksons each stood two victories from celebrating as champions.

The first semifinal match-up featured the regular season’s top team, the White Hawks, and many bracketologists’ dark horse pick, Jay Jackson and the Tito Jacksons.

Beacon Sports: Men’s soccer season wraps up

By Michael Noble
Contributing Writer

The 2009 men’s soccer regular season has come to an end. After 15 games, they have come away with eight wins, five losses and two ties. They are now approaching the NCCAA Regional Playoffs.

“We did not make the NCAA Tournament this year,” said head coach Jose Gomez. “We were probably two games away this year which is unfortunate.”

“I think we played well this season,” Gomez added.  “We had the opportunity to play the first, fourth and fourteenth ranked team in the nation and I thought in each of those games we competed well and even had the run of play in the games.”

Last year’s team had a 21-game season with 13 wins, seven losses and one tie.

Beacon Sports: Men’s soccer has experience, potential

By Kyle Beck
Contributing Writer

The Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish men’s soccer team is coming off a successful 13-7-1 record last season in which they reached the NCCAA national tournament.

“The expectations for the team are very high,” said Athletic Director Boby White. “On paper, this is as good a team as we’ve ever had.”