Gamers deal in Dinkins
Will Atkinson
Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Darts were tossed, chess moves made and cards played as students competed in Winthrop's first recreational games tournament. Last Friday, Feb. 2, about 50 students gathered in Dinkins to play for $50 Best Buy cards and a free trip to Tennessee to represent Winthrop in a regional games tournament.
Students played spades, chess and darts in Friday's event. The tournament is part of a series held by the Office of Recreational Sports and the Dinkins Student Union. A Texas Hold 'em and 9-ball billiards tournament is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is co-sponsoring the event. A foosball and table tennis tournament was previously held on Jan. 26. Winners of all events will represent Winthrop in a regional tournament at the University of Tennessee.
The events are held in part to encourage students to stay on campus on the weekend.
"This is our way of fostering weekend retention," said Sharon Witherspoon, a coordinator for Winthrop's information services and student affairs. "We do research and try to find out what students would be interested in."
Students competed for a variety of reasons. Ian Hay, a mass communication sophomore, said he does not play darts "too much," but wanted the Best Buy gift card. His outlook was positive.
"I think I can win, I don't know that I will," Hay said.
Others played for a break from school.
"It gets you away from academics," said business administration junior Doug Pearson, who was playing spades. "It's fun and relaxing."
Even though he lost his chess match, political science senior Rick Faulks enjoyed the tournament.
"I like the mental exercise and competition," Faulks said.
The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) is holding a regional competition at the University of Tennessee Feb. 23 to 25. Meals, travel, housing and registration fees are covered for Winthrop students who win competitions. The Dinkins Student Union automatically receives membership in the ACUI.
Schools in the tournament will mainly be from the southeast ern states, said Jaron Rider, director of recreational services and facilities for student affairs. Rider is unsure about Winthrop students' prospects at the tournament.
"We're not sure what it's going to be like," Rider said.
Rider thinks the competition expands student opportunities. The tournament gives non-athlete students an opportunity to represent Winthrop, he said.
Students played spades, chess and darts in Friday's event. The tournament is part of a series held by the Office of Recreational Sports and the Dinkins Student Union. A Texas Hold 'em and 9-ball billiards tournament is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is co-sponsoring the event. A foosball and table tennis tournament was previously held on Jan. 26. Winners of all events will represent Winthrop in a regional tournament at the University of Tennessee.
The events are held in part to encourage students to stay on campus on the weekend.
"This is our way of fostering weekend retention," said Sharon Witherspoon, a coordinator for Winthrop's information services and student affairs. "We do research and try to find out what students would be interested in."
Students competed for a variety of reasons. Ian Hay, a mass communication sophomore, said he does not play darts "too much," but wanted the Best Buy gift card. His outlook was positive.
"I think I can win, I don't know that I will," Hay said.
Others played for a break from school.
"It gets you away from academics," said business administration junior Doug Pearson, who was playing spades. "It's fun and relaxing."
Even though he lost his chess match, political science senior Rick Faulks enjoyed the tournament.
"I like the mental exercise and competition," Faulks said.
The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) is holding a regional competition at the University of Tennessee Feb. 23 to 25. Meals, travel, housing and registration fees are covered for Winthrop students who win competitions. The Dinkins Student Union automatically receives membership in the ACUI.
Schools in the tournament will mainly be from the southeast ern states, said Jaron Rider, director of recreational services and facilities for student affairs. Rider is unsure about Winthrop students' prospects at the tournament.
"We're not sure what it's going to be like," Rider said.
Rider thinks the competition expands student opportunities. The tournament gives non-athlete students an opportunity to represent Winthrop, he said.
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