Gorilla Games

A week’s worth of Gus saving the day kicked in Monday as students packed the Pittsburg State University Oval for Yard Art and the Gorilla Games.

Saving the day Monday ranged from diving into a bowl of spaghetti to find hidden treasures to throwing water balloons and running while twirling a hula hoop. All were events in the annual Gorilla Games, one of the opening events to Pittsburg State University Homecoming, themed “Gus Saves the Day.”

Jon Bartlow, assistant director of admissions, and one of the advisors Monday, said the games were a fun way to open things up.

“Everybody really gets into these activities, from all different student organizations,” Bartlow said. “We try to have some new events each year, which center around the year’s theme and create some variety from year to year.

“Then, of course, we always have the relay, which the students really enjoy.”

In the relay, the first person spun rapidly around in circles while running ... and often falling, toward their teammate across the field. The next relayer hopped into a potato sack to hop back toward a third teammate. The third contestant ran, while hula hooping, back across the field to a fourth team member. The fourth team member ran while jumping a jump rope to the fifth and final member. The final member then had to crawl on elbows and knees to the end line.

“It’s really a great way for everybody to get pumped up for the big week ahead,” Bartlow said.
Other events this week include:

• Today: 6 p.m. — Homecoming King and Queen Q&A with the Homecoming selection committee, located in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom in Overman Student Center.

• Wednesday: Noon — Convocation, Carnie Smith Stadium (rain site will be Weede Gymnasium). 7 p.m. — The Student Activities Council presents comedian Eric Blake. Show located in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom. Blake has been featured on BET’s “Comic View,” and has toured with the Bad Boys of Comedy.

• Thursday: 7 p.m. — Yell Like Hell, the university’s traditional Homecoming pep rally, located at Carnie Smith Stadium.

• Friday: 2 p.m. — Paint the Town Red Balloon Launch, Carnie Smith Stadium. 6:30 p.m. — Crimson and Gold Dinner, located in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom. Dinner is $15, reservations must be made through PSU Alumni & Constituent Relations. 8 p.m. — Quest to Save Gus Gorilla, a campus-wide treasure hunt for students and alumni. Located in the Jungle Lounge of Overman Student Center.

• Saturday: 7 a.m. — The 31st annual Gorilla Grind, a 10K, 5K, 2-mile run or 2-mile walk, beginning on the west side of Weede Gymnasium. To pre-register, contact the Department of Military Science. 9 a.m. — Homecoming Parade in downtown Pittsburg. 11 a.m. — GorillaFest at Gorilla Village. 2 p.m. — PSU Gorillas vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134.