Written by Audrey Hirschl
NAU isn't known for its athletic prowess. The Lumberjack sports teams haven't been all that successful over the years, and the students don't necessarily go crazy with school spirit. Still, students are able to attend all home sporting events for free, making the football and basketball seasons a good time to catch a game. The games are usually fairly well-attended, and they are the most enjoyable part of Family Weekend— that and the leftovers from eating out with the family. The Jacks play against such schools as Montana State, Sacramento State, and the University of Montana in the Big Sky Conference. Women's sports, however, are not popular at all. Sometimes their managers will put out raffles for who attends the most games. The prizes? An iPad, $50 to the bookstore, an iPod, etc.
Intramurals are very popular on the mountain campus. Always a big draw for fraternities and sororities, the sheer number of different sports gives an opportunity for everyone to compete. Some of the IM teams are extremely good and might even give the varsity teams a run for their money. IM flag football and softball are the most popular, but all of the sports draw good numbers. If you're not into sports, it's no big deal. There are intramurals that don't need any athletic prowess, like Mario Kart Wii and Battleship tournaments. Sports at NAU can be enjoyable, and there are some great facilities, but most would rather sarcastically mutter "go team" while standing in line to grab a smoothie at Jamba Juice.