With Homecoming right around the corner, Carlmont Cup began on Sept. 23 to pump up the Scots’ spirit and to continue its tradition.
Students laughed and cheered as sports teams and clubs competed against one another to win the Carlmont Cup.
Carlmont Cup is a tournament that is held in the quad at lunch. It brings athletes and club members together to show off their competitive skills. During the rivalry, teams participate in various games and challenges; depending on who wins, they advance into the next round.
This tradition started back in 2010 when Lauren Jung, sister of current ASB vice president Andrew Jung, came up with a lunchtime activity that would be a long term event. Carlmont Cup originated from the game show, “Minute to Win it” that was broadcasted on NBC.
According to social studies teacher Jarrod Harrison, “[I think] the reason they did it was for some kind of a competition to get people involved in stuff at lunch, leading up to Homecoming.” That is absolutely one of the main goals of the competition.
Not only that, but the face-off was intended to be interesting for both the players and the spectators. When the teams win a new challenge, they become more pumped to continue. Similarly, the crowd becomes excited and wants to be engaged to see the end results.
When Carlmont Cup first started, there were roughly six groups that engaged. Now, the number of groups has doubled in size.
Jim Kelly, activities director of 16 years said, “They know it’s coming, they look forward to it, they get ready for it. Teams bring out same-colored uniforms. Just the fact that it is [now] a tradition, makes it different.”
Although the participants have taken the tournament seriously, some of the silly games remain the same. Raine Kerhin, lunchtime activity supervisor, said, “Sky Bowling, Nervous Nelly, and Balloon Pop have been there since the beginning.”
As the Carlmont Cup progress, the goal is to attract students’ attention and feel involved in Carlmont. Kelly believes, “An involved student is a more successful student.”
