Forrest Olympics 2022: Part One

This Spring, the 2022 Forrest Olympics returned with new challenges and a few minor changes. Instead of taking place over several weeks, the Forrest Olympics occurred within a two-week time span. However, this did not lower the amount of competition and enthusiasm from its competitors. The halls of Forrest competed for the bust of Richard A. Forrest, which is on display year-round in the Forrest Shop. 

The Forrest Olympics did not start exactly how everyone planned. Due to inclement weather, the Opening Ceremony was not as extravagant as it has been in years past. It is one of the most important events because it is when the first competition is held to set the tone and initial standings of the games. During this time, the procession of the halls’ flags takes place, along with inspirational speeches given by various RAs and a cook-out for all of the Forrest men.

This year, however, the Opening Ceremony was much different. After carrying out the halls’ flags and playing the Olympics’ theme song, each hall was given an envelope. Inside contained several pictures of flags hidden in different places around campus. It was up to the men of each hall to find the flags and complete the accompanying challenges. They called this event “The Hunt,” and much like the 2021 Forrest Olympics’ Anti-Talent Show, it was the opening event of the games. History repeated itself as 2A once again started off the games in First Place. 3A took Second, 2B and 1C tied for Third, and 3C took Fourth. 

The second Forrest Olympics’ event was held in the gym. Called “Giant Dutch Blitz,” the event was set up like the classic card game it was derived from, but it was life-sized. There were four teams, each composed of two runners, a card dealer, and an onlooker keeping their eye on the cards that had been previously played. The team with the most points at the end of seven rounds won the game. The level of competitiveness escalated in every round. For the first three rounds, 2A called Blitz, putting them in the lead. As the other teams continued to earn points, 1B’s total score was being reduced. However, their lack of points pushed them to persevere, and the team found themselves calling Blitz in the final round. While this small victory brought up their total score, it was not enough to put them into the lead.

2A maintained First Place, followed by 2B, 3B, and 3A in Second, 1C in Third, and 1B in Fourth.

Forrest Lobby was filled with pancakes for the third event of the Forrest Olympics: “Flap Jack Stack Attack.” Each hall had two residents tasked with eating up to forty pancakes in twenty minutes. The rules were simple: each competitor receives a plate of twenty pancakes. The first hall to eat the most pancakes (or completely finish their forty pancakes) in the time allotted wins. A competitor is removed from the game if they vomit.

Before the timer started, a player from 2A blessed the pancakes and the individuals competing. As soon as the final “Amen” was said, the clock began ticking. The lobby became silent as the competitors focused on inhaling one pancake after another. Slowly, the noise increased as the onlookers cheered on their hall. With seven minutes and thirty seconds left on the clock, Josh Gray and Michael Brown from 2B finished their final pancakes, placing them in First. The remaining competitors began to slow down but continued to push through. When the timer buzzed, the men sighed in relief knowing they would not be forced to shove down another pancake.

In addition to eating pancakes, there was a pancake toss at the end of the event. Like before, there were two competitors per hall. They were instructed to toss the pancake to each other, like an egg in an egg toss. If the pancake broke or fell onto the floor, the hall was eliminated.

2B managed First Place, followed by 3A and half of 1B in Second, the other half of 1B in Third, and 3C in Fourth.

The overall standings following the first three events are as listed:

·         First: 2A

·         Second: 2B

·         Third: 3A

·         Fourth: 1B

·         Fifth: 1C

·         Sixth: 3C

·         Seventh: 3B

These standings could change at any time as the halls continue to compete. Look out for upcoming articles as we resume coverage of the 2022 Forrest Olympics and reveal the winning hall whose name will be added to the bust of Richard A. Forrest.