The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences took home the win at Wichita State’s 11th Annual Clash of the Colleges. The College of Engineering took second place, with the College of Applied Studies in third and the College of Fine Arts taking home the spirit award.
The Clash of the Colleges is a tradition at the beginning of the fall semester in which students from each academic college compete in a variety of events to win the tournament for their college. Entering the eleventh year, the staff of the annual Clash of the Colleges wanted to change the game and create more opportunities for students participating in Clash to fully enjoy the experience.
This year, Clash began with the academic colleges running onto the Eck Stadium field displaying the colleges’ colors, blowing horns and cheering. Ordinarily, Clash of the Colleges would be held at Cessna Stadium, but organizers were unable to hold it there due to the recent renovations.
“I think the best part of Clash of the Colleges is getting to know everybody and being united, even though we’re in different sections of the college,” Cynthia Chidizwo, a student in the College of Engineering, said.
For the next two hours, students participated in five main games, which included laundry basketball, volleyball, a giant shoe relay race, ultimate rock, paper, scissors and tug of war.
Other events included an arcade-style basketball tournament for success coaches and a half-time show put on by the transition mentors. Colleges could earn both game points and spirit points during each of these events.
One of the newer additions to Clash of the Colleges are the mini-games that were available to students during the event. These new mini-games were also worth points added to the grand total.
“My favorite part (of clash) was winning Connect 4,” said Jessica Ross, a student in the College of Fine Arts. “I remember they were hyping it up, those engineering students, but I beat one of them. So that was a good feeling.”
Students could participate in Jumbo Connect 4, Jumbo Jenga and inflatable races. Organizers of the event say these games were more accessible to students who may not want to participate in the more athletic group games, and who may be better at smaller, more intellectual games.
At the end of Clash, while scores were being tabulated, members of all the colleges entered a dance circle and showed off their moves.
“I had a lot of fun today, even though we lost,” College of Health Professions, Akosua Antwi-Agyei, said. “It helped me learn that teamwork is really important, especially for the college that I’m in. You’re definitely going to want to work with the other people around you.”
