In an array of shredded cotton T-shirts, campus residents cheered, gave high-fives and chatted at Olympiad XXIV Saturday afternoon on Lower Johnson Field.
Olympiad is an outdoor competition for campus residents held every fall on the Saturday after classes begin. It consists of several summer camp-like games, such as a three-legged race, a Jell-O chugging contest, a triathlon and tug-o-war as the finale. It concludes the UNM Rez Hall-A-Daze back to school events, which last about two weeks.
The purpose of Olympiad is to build camaraderie among residents and to encourage hall pride and a sense of ownership, Area Coordinator Teresa Ortiz said.
Wayne Sullivan, senior area coordinator for Residence Life, said participating in residence hall activities enhances living situations and helps students to get the most of their education. About 2,000 students live on campus, he said.
On Saturday, speakers blared a mixture of familiar ’50s songs and modern tunes, as students danced with each other, tossed Frisbees and prepared for various games such as “Dizzy Izzy,” during which students put their heads on baseball bats and spin 10 times as part of a relay race.
This year’s Olympiad trophy went to the Redondo Village Apartment residents for their overall performance in the competitions.
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UNM Residence Life sponsors the Olympiad, which includes the new Redondo Village Apartments, the Student Residence Center apartments and all of the dorms.
Resident advisers and students painted colorful banners to represent the halls and apartments before the competition.
James McAnally, a resident of Santa Ana Hall, said advisers helped get everyone pumped up for the games by pounding pots and pans through the halls.
Marc Ripperger, a fine arts major from Hokona Hall, said the event creates a relaxed environment for people to get to know each other.
Jenna Sultemeier, an area coordinator, said resident advisers helped to make the event a success by spreading the word.
“We have an awesome RA staff,” she said. “Their enthusiasm is contagious to residence students. We couldn’t do without them.”
Residents who missed Olympiad or other events during the Rez Hall-A-Daze week can still attend several movie nights, enjoy a visit from Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy to promote UNM athletic events and possibly a chance to see a Scorpions ice hockey game. For more information about upcoming events, residents can refer to the activity bulletin board posted in the Student Residence Center lobby or speak with their resident advisers.
