First Annual Highland Games Set for April 24

by Sean Carroll
edited by Abbie Tumbleson

Campus Recreation is pulling out all the stops for their final on-campus event of the spring semester by introducing an age-old Scottish tradition: Highland Games are planned for Spring weekend and will take place later this month on April 24.

The daylong event will feature such events as caber toss, ten vs. ten tug of war, a hay bale toss, and a kilted race to the top of the Manor. Even though there are a variety of events to choose from the main event of the Scottish celebration will be the Couples Carrying Championship.

Pairings for the Couples Carrying Championship can be a combination of male/female, male/male, or female/female. The race will take place behind the Boathouse on the lower portion of Peterson Hall Lawn and will be 831 feet long. The course will also consist of multiple obstacles such as hurdles, sand piles, and a mud pit crossing.

“Because our Intramural program is so popular here we are hoping to target that crowd and get them involved in this new event,” said Brandon Burton, Campus Rec. Employee.

In addition to the athletic events, the Highland Games will provide a taste of Scottish culture with authentic Scottish cuisine and music. The music will include a traditional bag piping band that will play throughout the day.

“Our hope is that we will educate and provide a fun event for students to participate in for years to come,” said Chelsea Ketchen, Campus Rec. Employee.

The prizes for the winner of each event have yet to be determined.

“If anything the winners of the events will likely be given an intramural champion t-shirt,” said Burton.

Students who are interested in the individual events or participating as a pair for the Couple Carrying Championship can sign up at the Bubble starting on April 22; or the day of the event.

“We are very excited sponsoring this new event and look forward to a strong turnout of students,” said Ketchen.

For more information on the Highland Games contact Chelsea Ketchen via e-mail at ketchenc@franklinpierce.edu.