Psi and Epsilon Kappa hosted the 2010 California State Days this year from February 11th to 13th. Sisters and Brothers from all across California came down for the grand event…and even a few exotic types from beyond the state lines! My personal role in all this madness was Team Leader of Team Burgundy! Now, before you judge me, let us be clear that I was originally set to lead the Gold Team to victory, but a change in bandana coloring steered my fate another way. Still, my posse made the best of things and we quickly changed our name to the topical “Yazz Flutes.” After quickly settling on the Anchorman theme, we instantly bonded and were constantly motivated to do Ron Burgundy proud.
Before the team activities began that Saturday, however, we all gathered together Friday night in the LATC Clubhouse for some board games and initial meeting and greeting. There were multiple tables of intense Combat UNO, a circle of people playing Ninja, and I was among the crowd attempting to cure the world from Pandemic! Everyone then got sorted into their proper houses (aka a Psi Brother or EK Sister’s apartment) for a good night’s rest before the team competition the next day.
Saturday morning started with a glorious breakfast feast of cereal and fruit on Kerckhoff patio. We then gathered inside the Ballroom for a splendid introduction and welcome from Ashley McFadden of Epsilon Kappa and Derek Lee of Psi, the heads of State Days planning. We were all counted off and divided into team colors and kicked off the team bonding with team poster decorating and team name brainstorming. The real competition began with each team leader being handed a “balloon baby” of their respective team color. This “baby” was to be cared for during the remainder of the day and continued to provide added amusement and challenge to each task that came before us.
Once the teams became relatively familiar with themselves, we all headed outside for some outdoor activities (and Yazz Flute victories) before breaking for lunch. A good portion of the gang also received tickets to the Men’s Basketball game vs. Oregon State (a Bruin victory!) during the lunch break, while the rest of us gathered for a viewing party in the apartments. We later rejoined in the Kerckhoff Ballroom for more competition, including a trivia contest and a multi-leveled version of musical chairs. The team competition ended with each team going up to perform their team chant, explain their poster, and present their balloon baby. An awards ceremony followed, and sadly (and shockingly!), by the end of the day, the Yazz Flutes finished third, defeated only by The Midnight Pi Ninjas [pictured] and The Blue Starfish Navy.
- Krystina Johnson, Alpha Mu
Vice President, 2010-2011
