Spirits rose while the temperature dropped Monday night at Ball State University Homecoming's Opening Day games, which included an inflatable obstacle course, tug of war and gladiator jousting.
"It's pretty cold, but it gets everybody out playing and ready for the week," Abi Dreher, a member of Sigma Kappa who participated in tug of war, said.
Opening Day Games also let students show their team spirit. Women from the rugby team said their face paint and energetic chanting was nothing new.
"It's very normal for us," rugby team member Stephanie Harrison said. "It gets us pumped."
Cheering persisted, and Homecoming Steering Committee members urged students to stand back from the competition area.
Chelsea Martin said she came out to support fellow members of the University Singers.
"I like that it's outside this year," she said. "I think people are still as involved."
This year, gladiator jousting replaced dodgeball, which Martin said she missed.
The tug-of-war competition between the defending champions, the women of Spectrum and the women's rugby team, attracted the most attention.
Spectrum member Candice Ealy said she tried her best.
"I slipped and it startled me," she said. "I couldn't get back up. My legs are shaking."
Though Spectrum lost some earlier heats, they won tug-of-war in double-elimination.
Holly Gillham and Mason Kirchubel contributed to this story.
Opening Day winners
Obstacle Course:Residence Hall - Schmidt/Wilson, Team 2Independent Male - Delta Gamma Iota, Team 1Greek and Overall Winner - Lamda Chi Alpha
Tug of War:Independent Male - Delta Gamma IotaIndependent Female - SpectrumFraternity - Fiji
Gladiator Jousting:Independent Male - Delta Gamma IotaFraternity - Lambda ChiSorority - Phi NuOverall Winner - Lambda Chi
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
