Economics teacher Mr. Ted Hartsoe (left) typically plays in pick-up games. Photo by Jessie Goodwin/The Choate News
Choate’s Intramural Basketball League, or IBL, has always played a large role in Choate’s basketball culture. Students in the IBL participate in practices and games and culminate their season in a tournament at the end of the winter — an event that often draws large crowds of Choate students.
This year, the IBL is slightly different from its past self, because there are somewhat fewer kids on the team. There are about 14 or 15 kids consistently at practice, so instead of set teams, as in previous years, the players usually switch up the teams for every practice, or play a best of three series for the week.
Practices consist of a 15-minute warm-up and 45-minute games, with players subbing every five minutes. This season, players typically make four teams of three with subs and play three-on-three, but lately have been playing five on five. As it is an intramural sport, the group doesn’t meet every day but plays only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Players emphasize that there is a broad range of playing ability, as some kids are coming from thirds, JV, or even varsity teams, while others have never played basketball. But for many of the players on the team, that’s part of the fun.
“The teams are always changing, which is fun because you get to play with everyone,” said Carter George ’20. “Everyone gets involved, which is the biggest thing, as everyone plays the same amount, and everyone is included.”
George played JV last year, but due to a nagging ankle injury decided to play in the IBL this year instead. By playing IBL, George says he can go at his own pace instead of pushing and overusing his ankle every day, while still maintaining a competitive level of basketball. He said, “The feel is pretty relaxed, but if a game ever gets close, the competition ramps up.”
Another player, Nahshon Miller ’21, said, “There are players of all skill levels, but everyone participates. No matter the skill level everyone wants to win so it is a great mix of competition and fun.”
Others find that playing IBL takes pressure off the game. Two-year IBL player Charlie Schoninger ’20 said, “IBL is great because it’s an opportunity to meet different people and just enjoy the game itself. We don’t worry about competition.”
IBL is coached by Director of ABM Mr. John Bjorkdahl and economics teacher Mr. Ted Hartsoe. Players say that Mr. Hartsoe often plays with them and is a good player who helps to get everyone involved. Mr. Bjorkdahl typically runs the clock and scoreboard. “I enjoy playing basketball, and most nights I play with them,” Mr. Hartsoe said. “I’ll jump in if there is an odd number of kids.”
This only Mr. Hartsoe’s second year with the IBL, although Mr. Bjorkdahl has coached the group well since Mr. Hartsoe took over. He said that most years they organized four teams to participate in a tournament, which was fun, but this year they mostly end up playing pick-up due to smaller numbers.
Overall, the Intramural Basketball League allows students to take a break from classes and homework, to get moving, unwind, and spend time with each other. “You don’t need to worry about winning or losing because someone is winning and someone is losing every night, so it doesn’t matter,” Mr. Hartsoe said. “For the program as a whole, it doesn’t really matter, it’s a chance to get out their and have some fun and get some exercise.”
