Scholars Take to Intramural Fields for GSOlympics
Written by Tyson Cavinder & Maddox Golday
On the second Sunday night at Murray State, 18 teams of the Murray Governor’s Scholars Program competed against one another in eight different events in the GSOlympics. This staple of the Governor’s Scholars Program included both physical and psychological challenges scholars and their teammates had to endure.
Representing the variety of general studies classes at GSP Murray State, the teams were as follows: Wildwest, Pink Pennies, Beachout/Shark Attack, Adam Sandler, Men in Black, Frat, Founding Scholars, Farm Animals, Lego Ninjago, Old Timers, Aliens v.s. Cowboys, Decades, Jerseys, White Lies (2), Pastel Goth, Minions, and USA.
TRIVIA – Two teams both created a line, facing each other, while RA’s were stationed at each open end of the lines; one would ask questions, the other would watch to see which side raised their hand first. The trivia event focused on GSP based questions ranging from names of faculty and staff to location names and dates. This offered scholars an opportunity to showcase their memorization and recognition in a fast paced environment. The Old Timers and Men in Black appeared to dominate this event with flying colors.
SOCCER BALL TAG – An RA stood before a combined group of two teams, both ready to pounce once the ball became live. The RA would then throw the ball into the air above the two teams, the first to come down with the ball would then have 10 seconds to tag a member of the opposing team before the format would reset. This chaotic, high intensity setting resulted in scholars’ athletic ability being put to the test. Friendly rivalries between teams would form, enhancing the environment for everyone involved. This event was widely popular with teams like the Minions, Farm Animals, Cowboys vs. Aliens, and Beach Out/Shark Attack claiming that it was their best game.
HUMAN WHEELBARROW TIC TAC TOE – A unique combination of elements led to the creation of a challenging teamwork based event. Two lines would form from each team, both facing a large tic tac toe board on the ground. One person from each line would pair with a teammate to create a wheelbarrow. It would then become a race against the other participating team to collect their own colored piece, place it on the board, and return back to the line for the next wheelbarrow pair to go, until a team had three in a row first. Teams such as White Lies and Pastel Goth claimed that they were the best at this event. This event helped instill a form of trust among scholars while implementing the strategic nature required by the game of tic tac toe in unison.
TENNIS BALL TOSS – Similar to the way teams would align for trivia, two teams would face each other in a straight line, picking a partner from the opposing team. One partner would start with a tennis ball about two feet apart. Throwing the ball underhanded, the opposing partner would need to catch the ball, causing the thrower to take a step back. This process would repeat until one partner would drop the ball. The game often resulted in partners 50 feet away from one another. One White Lies team effectively navigated this event. As an event, it helped scholars establish a connection between coordination and action.
BLIND FOLD – Scholars were blindfolded while the opposing team moved obstacles around hoping for them to get stepped on/touched. The blindfolded scholar had to rely on communication from their team in order to make it through the obstacles. If the blindfolded scholar were to touch an obstacle they would restart from the beginning. This game developed directional skills and improved communication within teams.
CONE BALANCE – Two teams competed against each other in a game of balance and speed. Scholars had a cone placed on their back while having to complete a lap around an RA. The only condition: scholars’ hands had to be placed behind their knees. If the cone were to fall off they were to stop where they were, do five jumping jacks, and continue on. The Founding Scholars team found that their balance is unmatched compared to the other teams.
WATER SPONGE – Two lines, two teams, one winner. The objective of this game was to pass the sponge down the line, alternating passing over the head and between the legs, trying not to lose any water, and squeeze it into their team’s bucket. Once squeezed out, the person at the end of the line runs to the front with the sponge to restart the process again until the starting bucket was empty. The Wild West team thought this game was by far their greatest event. This game was a test of speed and strategy.
SHOE RELAY – Two teams face off in a classic foot race. But one detail is missing…the scholars don’t have any shoes. Before the game started, teams put their shoes into a pile of their own teammates shoes. During the game they would run 80 feet, find their shoes, put their shoes on, and run back to their team so the next teammate could go. This game tested people’s speed and ability to perform under pressure, with teams such as Decades, Adam Sandler, USA, and Frat successfully completing the competition with flying colors.
POPSICLES – Amid the competition, one station stood apart from the rest. Situated at the pavilion between the IM fields and tennis courts was a blue cooler filled to the top with popsicles. Here, two teams meet to escape the sun and cool down with a refreshing treat. After a hard fought competition, Pink Pennies and Lego Ninjago were able to cool down and effectively get back to action.
The GSOlymics have come and gone, though the memories remain prominent. Scholars were put to the test both physically and psychologically in blistering heat, exercising their abilities for their team. An event of this nature helps build a community, which is precisely what occurred at GSP Murray State.
