An intramural sport unique to Iowa State began another season Monday when treds football games began at the Lied Recreation Center.

There are 48 teams competing this year: 32 men’s, eight women’s and eight co-rec teams. For two nights, teams will have one chance to move on to the next round for a chance to win the tournament.

For James Sparks, senior in construction engineering, this year was his last chance to win another championship T-shirt for treds football. His team won the tournament two years ago, but last year placed second overall.

Sparks was the captain of a men’s team composed of his roommate, friends and fraternity members who have known each other and played together for several years. Since they came so close last year, they were very anxious to overcome their second-place standing.

“It would be great to win another T-shirt,” Sparks said.

Unfortunately, his team was not able to win its first game Monday night and is out of the tournament. Sparks was adamant about his feelings on the loss.

“It sucks. I hate losing, no matter what sport it is,” Sparks said.

Another competitor looking to add to her intramural T-shirt collection is Kristi Rohe. The senior in history is again captain of a women’s team looking forward to defending its title. She is also the captain of the winning co-rec team. Rohe has been playing with the same group of people for team sports since she first came to Iowa State.

“Knowing each other and playing together in other intramural sports helps a lot,” Rohe said.

Her co-rec team moved a step closer Monday night after winning its first game. The team plays again Wednesday.

Some teams would just like to get past the first or second game. Dan Skinner, junior in mechanical engineering, is captain of a men’s team that is struggling. His team, composed of Lyon Barker residents, is eager to advance to the next round. The team will be trying to overcome one of last year’s biggest problems — defense.

“We got burned on a lot of deep passes,” Skinner said.

Championship games will start Wednesday night with one men’s game and two co-rec games. Play will end Thursday night with the women’s championship game followed by the final three men’s games.