Student Smackdown

The Fireplace Lounge in the HUB on Tues., Feb. 11, during Winter Carnival, was home to quite a commotion. Loud balloons popping, the unmistakable fragrance of men's shaving cream, and  even what looked like a foam sword play, taking place all at once. This was "Student Smackdown," one of the various events held by the Winter Carnival committee.

The participants included different representatives from some of the student organizations on campus, and this year's event was set up like the popular 'Minute-to-Win It' game, with different stations presenting a different challenge at each, where every team would have exactly one minute to complete the task. Each of the student organizations would get points for their wins and they were tallied at the end of the week.

"Last year, we had frozen t-shirts that had to be thawed out and once they were totally thawed and unfolded the team who did so the quickest and wore the shirt won," said Jordanna, a senior on staff for the event. This is the first time the committee has elected to do the event with the 'Minute-to-Win It' set up.

"I always look forward to Smackdown the most," said Kristen, a junior from the women's rugby team. This year, she volunteered herself to represent the rugby team because she thinks it is so much fun to participate in.

Once the events got rolling, the event staff opted to start with just two events going on at once to decrease the chaos. It soon escalated enough that before all of the teams completed all of the challenges, all events were happening simultaneously. It was rowdy, but all were having a lot of fun, and it was clear that all involved were glad they chose to represent their organization.

Erica Haase, a senior also on the women's rugby team said she was " [I'm] most excited to watch the shaving cream-cheeto toss," said Erica Haase, a senior. Participants wore a shower cap covered in shaving cream and their teammate tossed Cheetos onto their head. The team with the most Cheetos tossed and stuck won the most points.

Adam, a freshman, was very excited to be participating in Winter Carnival for the first time because said he likes "getting involved on campus and having a good time while doing it."

The PSU Winter Carnival Student Smackdown 2014 was a little bit like being at the Olympics right in the HUB. Everyone left with a smile, having had fun with their friends.