2W Coly in the 5-legged race of the 2008 Coly Olympics
Over the past century, the Olympic Games have undergone many significant changes that reflect the changes in the world of competitive sports. Colenbrander Hall, a little competitive world by itself, has taken the Olympic Games to a whole new level. The Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, Apr. 27, will commence the 2010 Coly Spring Olympic Games.
This year marks the 8th annual Coly Olympics event. Former RD Marlon Haverdink and the 2002 residence life staff were the masterminds behind the idea for this competition. With an idea this brilliant it’s not surprising that Haverdink has had a huge influence on Coly. Even first-year RD Ryan Anderson has been impacted by his legacy.
“Many people don’t know this,” he said, “but Marlon was the best RD Coly’s ever had.”
Similar to Coly Christmas, each wing competes against each other in the Olympics. The Games will officially begin with the lighting of the torch at 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Once the torch is lit each wing must have at least one guy on the green until the torch is extinguished 24 hours later.
Wednesday morning will usher in the traditional Pre-Olympics Hog Roast. The guys will devour almost 300 pounds of roasted hog and then the events will begin. Some of the Olympic events include the car push, 5-legged race, mattress carry, water balloon launch, “something more academic” and others that would “spoil the intrigue” if mentioned here.
“The guys seem pretty pumped about the day as a whole,” Anderson said. “Camping out on the green for 24 hours, eating the hog and competing in the events all blend together to create an eruption of Coly sweetness.”
The Coly Olympics aren’t solely meant to provide food and entertainment, however. Anderson believes that the guys will gain something much more meaningful through this event than just full bellies and bragging rights.
“It creates a memory for them,” Anderson said, “a shared experience that will hopefully deepen the connections the guys have made with each other all year.”
The “Coly sweetness” isn’t limited to just Coly residents either. All students are invited to come and enjoy the entertaining action taking place on the green – especially for a well-needed study break during Dead Week.
With events ranging from challenging brute strength to intellect, the Coly Olympics are bound to have something for all kinds of participants and spectators.
Coly Olympics has enjoyed nice weather for eight years running, “evidence of God’s favor” according to Anderson, and this year’s event has everything it needs to be the best one yet.
“I’m excited to see a whole bunch of Coly guys hanging out on the green, the smell of a roasting hog in the air, with frisbees and baseballs and footballs being tossed all over,” Anderson said. “If that sounds poetic, it’s because it will be.”
