Living for the the competition: Brandon Murray’s transition from a D1 Sport to Campus Rec Intramurals

By:  Nadia Klincewicz

At age 14, College of Charleston Grad Student moved from the Bahamas to the United States.  It was here that he fell in love with sports, taking a particular liking to Baseball and Basketball.  When it came time to make the choice between the two, Brandon committed to College of Charleston to play on our division one baseball team.  After a successful four years as a baseball player and an unfortunate injury, he returned to CofC as a grad student.  Brandon felt a void in his life without his baseball career, but could not continue playing due to his injury. Instead Brandon decided to rekindle his love for basketball.  He made a swift transition from outfielder on the diamond to outstanding on the court. With a few friends on AEPi’s intramural basketball team, Brandon threw himself on their court, joining the team’s incredibly successful season. We were able to catch up with Brandon recently to talk about his change from D1 Baseball player to CofC CRS Intramural Basketball star.

What’s your story?

I am from the Bahamas and came to the College of Charleston for my undergraduate degree to play baseball. During my time here, I had a very successful career as a baseball player. I made the all conference team twice during my four years, won a conference championship during my senior season, and was lucky enough to be named ExCel Male Athlete of the Year 2014 for the College. I have also set a few baseball records for the College.

Why did you make the switch from D1 to Intramural?  

I guess I would say I made the change from D1 to intramural for a number of reasons. I had initially planned on trying to play professional baseball following my undergraduate education, but a few injuries and bad luck hampered this dream. I entered the graduate school here following my senior year to get my MBA. Subsequently, I started playing basketball on the rec courts a few times a week to stay in shape and to channel some of my former competitiveness into another outlet, and by chance was invited to play for one of the intramural teams.

How is your season playing for AEPi going?

Our season is actually going pretty well. We are currently 3-1 and have been playing good basketball. The only game we have lost so far was by 1 point so I am very confident about our team moving forward.

What are the differences athletically between varsity and intramural?

I dare not say that the challenges athletically are the same from varsity to intramural. Understand, when you play a D1 sport, the majority of players on your team and on other teams has been playing the sport for their entire lives. The have developed athleticism and are being paid in scholarships to play their sport. You practice daily and weight lift 4-5 times a week. It is definitely more demanding being a D1 athlete as the average athlete in D1 is more athletic than intramurals. That being said, there are  some very athletic, driven players playing intramurals. They work hard and compete just as in other athletic outlets I have participated in.

What about socially?

Socially it is very similar. You develop a network of friends with the guys you play with and against. That is a part of playing the sport. Friendly competition with an athletic drive. We see each other around campus and on the streets and there is nothing but respect.

Any other differences you’ve noticed?

I would say that intramurals are more casual. You don’t have coaches so the team regulates itself. If I lose a game in intramurals, my competitiveness makes me upset, just as I was when I played D1. That being said, in general, I feel like most guys don’t take it as seriously as they would in D1.

Brandon is quoted in 2012 saying, “A champion is a person who goes out and leaves all they have on the table every day they compete. They live for the moment, for the competition and do all they can to win the game,“ says Murray. “You don’t have to be the most talented to become a champion. You just have to do your best, no matter the circumstances.“ This mentality has shown strong through his play in baseball and basketball. It doesn’t matter if it is Division One, or Rec League Intramural. Play like a champion.