Celebrating the Man Behind the Intramural Program

April 1, 2025

By Michael Alaimo

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The Man behind Flager's Intramurals has dedicated a lot of time, effort, and dedication to both his job and his students. He helps students connect and bond through competitive activities on and off the court.

“I've been at Flagler College since 1997, as long as I am healthy, I enjoy working with the students and Flagler community,” said Mike Roberson. “There are good memories from every year.”

For several years Mike Roberson has been an instructor for tennis and director of intramural sports. Roberson instructs students to learn the importance of competing and making friendships through intramurals and makes memories along the way.

Roberson has more than 40 years of experience of working in sports and is close to his 29th year working for Flagler College in the intramural sports program. And he does not plan to leave anytime soon.

“My degree is in health, physical education, and recreation. My master's is in sport management,” Roberson said. Before coming to Flagler, Roberson went to school at the University of Montevallo and United States Sports Academy for his masters.

“I have coached youth, sports, high school sports, and college sports.” He takes those years of experience and uses it to better students at Flagler physically and through friendships.

Since the arrival of Roberson on the Flagler campus, he has brought many new sports activities and opportunities to the students of Flagler over the years. He helped the intramural program grow over time.

“Soccer, flag football, basketball and softball are the main sports here. There are other activities we offer such as tennis, golf, mini golf, bowling and other fun activities.”

Over time the addition of fields has helped the program grow over the years, it has made Roberson’s job a whole lot easier.

“It has gotten bigger, offering more activities and now being able to use our own facilities with the addition of LX/IM field. Prior to that we had to rent fields from county recreation,” Roberson said.

Intramurals is all about connecting students in the college community and through Roberson’s efforts, many students have connected in his activities and created long lasting friendships here at Flager College.

“I've created many new friendships during intramurals, but I think the relationships that I have strengthened are even better.” senior Luke Platzke said.

There are many examples of Roberson bringing students together throughout his time here at Flagler College.

“Intramurals are a great opportunity to meet friends, gain leadership skills, learn teamwork, and just have fun in a healthy environment,” Roberson said. “I will always be doing my best to provide good activities and memories for our students. One year two students met through softball and later ended up getting married.”

Students have always found it easier to get along while competing in friendly contests against each other while Roberson is present.

“Roberson's top priority is that everyone is safe and having fun. He is always making sure that there is a level of sportsmanship held at all times,” Platzke said. “This allows everyone to really get along, making jokes and having the best experience possible.”

“If it wasn't for Roberson, I wouldn't have ever met some of my friends I hangout around with today,” Platzke said. Platzke has been a part of Flagler soccer, basketball, softball and flag football intramurals since his first year and has spent a lot of time with Roberson and has nothing but praise for him.

Roberson has always managed to put smiles on everyone's face and dedicates all his time and effort to making students happy and feel welcome here on campus.

“Roberson has the patience to create and manage all the intramural competitions,” said senior Andres Ramirez. “He’s always smiling and has a good attitude, which makes everyone around him feel the same energy.”

Through his time and dedication Roberson has left a strong legacy and impact even outside the court. By helping students build lasting friendships and bonds while doing physical activities that boosts students' confidence, self-esteem, and overall happiness' on campus. His impact will have a long-lasting impact for many more years to come.