The game was close, and tensions were high.
A player raced down the court with the basketball in hand, lining himself up for the perfect lay-up. Suddenly, one of the opposing team members charged. The resounding snap sent referee Eli Gilbert into action. Within minutes, the player was safely on his way to the hospital, and Gilbert returned to the whistle.
Gilbert and his teammates work as intramural student officials at OSU and as a member of the Oklahoma State Department of Wellness, Gilbert is no stranger to breaks, sprains, fights and sideline arguments.
Intramurals inspire friendly competition and an active college lifestyle. Hundreds of students participate in a sport, and many others do their part from behind the whistle.
Gilbert, an OSU senior, said he has loved sports since he was a kid. He played before he officiated.
“I have been participating since my freshman year,” Gilbert said. “I’ve been working for intramurals for a year, and in that time, I have gone from official to supervisor to program assistant.”
Gilbert said he has played every game the school offers: basketball, softball, football, volleyball and table tennis.
“I’m playing twice a week, and then I’ll officiate or supervise two or three times a week,” Gilbert said.
As officials and advisers, student employees prepare to make tough calls and deal with any situation on the field, like a broken arm.
“You’ll have stressful nights,” Gilbert said. “Last night, a dude broke his wrist in the game's first 20...
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