Ten teams of two traded shots in the first 9-Ball Tournament sponsored by Women’s Panhellanic Association in the wRECk Center Tuesday. The games were a part of Welcomefest. 

“It’s just our way of welcoming everyone back from break and any new students to WSU,” WPA President Amber Hopkins said. 

With Scotch Double rules, whenever a player pocketed a ball, his or her partner was to take the next shot. This was done so that players of varying difficulties could even the playing field. 

Teams played the best of three in a double elimination bracket for prizes that included two Wichita State blankets for first place, Shocker light-up string (like Christmas lights) for second place and two foam fingers for worst place. 

The pool tournament was free to all, and served as a way for Shockers to get to know their peers. 

“I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people,” Hopkins said. “Having 20 people come out is really exciting.” 

This is WPA’s first event as a new council.

“We would hope to maybe start up some traditions like this,” WPA Recruitment Coordinator, Bri Kitchings said. 

Even though the event was sponsored by a Greek society, it was open to all WSU students. Teams were predetermined at sign-in and played together up to the final match. 

“We enjoyed that people who are in Greek organizations and people who are not in Greek organizations could come together and just hang out and have a good time together,” WPA Public Relations Chair, Allison Gettings said. “Having a good turn out starts us off on the right foot for the year.” 

Worst place and the foam fingers went to Bri Kitchings and Jordan Reed. Second place went to Garrett Thompson and Brandon Guilles. First place went to Tyler Brown and Patrick Owens. 

WPA’s next event is Bras for a Cause on Feb. 8 during the women’s basketball game at 7:05 p.m. Students, faculty and community members can come decorate bras for $5. Bra donations can be made to the Student Involvement office on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center. All monetary donations will go to Breast Cancer Awareness.