At 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, students and faculty from Emporia State’s 10 schools will gather to contribute to the spirit of competition at Stinger Showdown. 

This year’s event features noticeable differences from past years, including a few new activities. Unlike past years, participants will have the opportunity to ride in a tricycle race and row canoes on Wooster Lake. However, the competition will also feature classic Stinger Showdown events such as the tug-of-war, balloon toss and trivia event Battle of the Brains

There has also been a change of location since last year. Historically, Stinger Showdown has been hosted at the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC), but the event’s location has changed to Kellogg Circle to improve the accessibility of the competition. 

“(PAROC) was really far away from campus,” said Azwad Arif, President of Associated Student Government. “Obviously, being closer to campus would help so that people can just walk. But for the people who don’t live nearby or who have cars, there’ll be more spots for parking, because it’s after five and we have open parking. It’s about students engaging in something really cool that transforms a space that we walk around every day.” 

Another new aspect of the event is the addition of “coaches.” Faculty and staff can now serve as the leader of their college, guiding participants to different parts of the showdown and taking an authoritative role in their group. The appointment of coaches is intended to mitigate any problematic overcompetitiveness and to help participants build relationships with staff members. 

There are currently 171 participants signed up to represent all 10 colleges. Events are hosted in various locations around campus, including Kellogg Circle and Wooster Lake and residents are encouraged to walk around and watch the various events, even those who do not participate. Walk-ins are also encouraged for Stinger Showdown. Students who are not signed up for the event may not receive a free T-shirt, but are welcome to join in the fun and games. 

Arif believes that Stinger Showdown is a great place for students and staff to come together. 

“One of the reasons we started this event is to make people excited about college,” he said, “and to connect those bridges of if you’re somebody who’s super involved, versus a student who is not involved at all. You can still be part of something cool and learn about your college.”