By Cynthia Shank
While the heat of the Silliman University intramurals rises, the thundering cheers of the students echo across the campus. Athletes push themselves to victory, the backbone of the competition. Amidst the heat of the game, the ones keeping it all from spiraling stand on the sidelines with clipboards, whistles, and a desire to keep things fair.
You’ve seen them before. They’re present during every SU intramural. While athletes swim, sprint, spike, and shoot their way to glory, they make sure everything stays in check— the game overseers, the unsung heroes of the Silliman University intramurals.
Psalm Rodzell Fernandez, a third-year Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) student-athlete, knows the weight of the job all too well. “When it comes to this event, it’s really important to plan ahead,” he shares. With multiple colleges battling for victory, emotions run high, making fairness a non-negotiable. “As an overseer, always expect the unexpected so that you will be prepared.”
Overseers brace for the unforeseen moments, which come in all shapes and sizes. A game-changing foul missed by an official, a heated dispute over a call, or even mysteriously missing swim caps and goggles (yes, it happens).
But for Fernandez, the key is a steady mind— one that doesn’t waver, even when the game clock is ticking louder than a professor announcing a surprise quiz. If balancing academics and sports is hard, try adding “overseeing intramurals” to the mix.
For Grade 12 student and volleyball game overseer, Princess Iryn Alcoriza, the pressure is real. “I balance my responsibilities as a student-athlete by knowing my priorities and managing them accordingly,” she says. “I stay disciplined so I can perform well both as a student and as an overseer.”
Fernandez agrees. “You really need to have good time management and a positive mind,” he says. “We’re juggling our sports and studies at the same time. If you have poor management, there’s a chance you won’t enjoy your hobbies.”
In other words, being an overseer is an Olympic-level multitasking job. One moment, they’re reviewing game rules and handling sportsmanship issues; the next, they’re studying and cramming for an exam. It’s a high-stakes game off the court, where the opponents are deadlines, exhaustion, and the constant temptation to take a nap.
What sets the Silliman University intramurals apart is the sense of community it fosters. According to Psalm, “it’s the inclusivity. You could really feel that everyone’s enjoying the games without judgment. My role in this event is to make sure that every player in the intrams is accommodated and that everyone has fun.”
Alcoriza highlights the camaraderie. “The sportsmanship and the bond between teams and colleges inside the court make the Silliman University intramurals unique. It’s not just about the games but the experience.”
This is where all overseers shine. They aren’t just enforcing rules for the sake of it. They’re ensuring that every student, regardless of skill level or background, gets to be part of the bigger picture. They are the reason intrams isn’t just a competition but a celebration for everyone to enjoy.
So, the next time you’re screaming for your team and questioning that call made by the referee for the opposing team, remember the ones making it all possible. The whistle-blowers, the rule-enforcers, and the multitaskers in the background. They may not be scoring points, but they’re definitely winning the game.
