Let the Games Begin! Forrest Hall Begins Annual Olympics
The Olympic Games is a tradition that dates back centuries that has always had a reputation for hosting the strongest and bravest athletes in a contest of skill and wit. During the two weeks of competition every two years, the best of their time step compete in the hopes of taking home a gold medal for their respective country. This time-honored tradition is the dream for millions of people who wish for a chance at one moment in the spotlight. While for many that dream may not be a reality, residents of Forrest Hall now can experience that glory, as the Olympic Games have come to Toccoa Falls College. “These games are not for the weak of heart and are rarely for women. You will be tested mentally, physically, emotionally, metaphysically, literally, and intrinsically,” 2A Resident Assistant Zach Garcia said in the opening ceremony address. “I would wish you all the best, but I don’t want that because the victory belongs to 2A and the Lord. Let the games begin.”
The Forrest Olympics is a multiple week set of challenges that pits hall against hall in a contest to see who will emerge the greatest of the dorm and get their name below a bust of TFC’s founder Richard Forrest. Each week, the halls have an opportunity to earn points on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place victories in the various challenges the games present them with. These contests are not for the faint of heart as competitors must face their worst nightmares in games that are embarrassing, tough, and sometimes just disgusting. However, enduring these challenges and coming out on top is worth it for many of the competitors who yearn for their one moment of glory. “I want it bad,” 2B Resident Assistant Josh Gray said. “Like really bad.”
Bust sculpture of Robert Forrest
The men of Forrest have already faced their fair share of strife as the first two events have taken place. On January 23, participants gathered at Henderson Park for an opening ceremony and hotdog dinner. While there, the games began with a flag ceremony and the first two events of the 2021 competition. The first contest was an Anti-Talent show, which forced competitors to show off the most unimpressive talents they could. Skits, teeth brushing, and even breathing were just some of the acts displayed at the competition on that Saturday night. While it was close, competitors from the following halls took the first four places of the Olympics:
First- 2A for applying Chapstick
Second- 1B for brushing their teeth
Third-2A for breathing competition
Fourth- 3C for a kazoo performance
The first night of competition also featured a tennis-volleyball game that combined features from both well-known sports. 2A placed first in this event with 3A in second, 3C in third, and 1B in fourth.
This past weekend another round of events occurred that forced competitors to demonstrate other skill sets. On Saturday, January 30, the lobby of Forrest Hall held a Super Smash tournament that showed off how well the halls were in the battle royal style game. 2A once again came out victorious with 3B taking second, 1C in third, and 1B in fourth. “It feels pretty good,” 2A resident Tommy Jordan said after taking first for his hall in the Smash tournament. “As far as preparation, I actually played less Smash Bros to clear my mind. It’s like riding a bike, you might get a little rusty, but you don’t lose the touch.”
A ping pong tournament also occurred Saturday night, giving 2B a large advantage after they took both first and second place with their two representatives dominating the night. 3C also took third, while 3A earned a point for their team by coming in fourth. Sunday night featured one last event in the form of a 2K competition. This video game basketball event drew out a large crowd of spectators excited to see the closing event of week two. 3C came in first and second, 2A in third, and 1C in fourth.
Overall, the current rankings are 2A in first with 18 points, 3C in second with 13 points, 2B in third with 8 points, and 1B in fourth with 5 points. The games, however, have just begun and will continue over the next few weeks as the search for the best hall continues. To witness this great moment in history, come to Forrest Hall this Saturday, February 13, at 7 for an open dorms event where the girls decide which hall has the best decorations. See you there!