RSOs compete in challenge

Registered student organizations fought against procedural problems Tuesday
night to focus on a night of leadership-based activities in Finch Fieldhouse.

The Leadership Institute and ROTC divided RSOs into different heats for
the competitions. Because of a scheduling problem, however, events were backed
up and people over-crowded Finch.

Alternative Breaks was awarded first place at the end of the competition.
The group earned 13 points at the rock wall, earing a $50 prize along with
five reserved seats at the Connections Conference Nov. 15 and 16.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon came in second place and was awarded three reserved
seats. The Panhellenic Council took third place and two seats at the conference.

RSOs competed on the climbing wall, low-ropes, high ropes and the obstacle course.

“I’m terrified of heights so it’ll be interesting,” said Courtney Cross,
Livonia junior. “I like a challenge and I figured conquering my fears would
be a great challenge.”

At the low ropes course, representatives from different RSOs were grouped together to complete in the events.

“This builds team skills and they are split up so they can communicate to each other,” said Alison Jenks, Marshall freshman.

Games played at the low ropes course included: Barf Ball, Rodeo Throw,
Great Divide and Human Ladder, where students walked on sticks held by their
group members.

“When the first person goes, they think it can’t be done,” said Abbey Wojno, Vassar sophomore.

On the climbing wall, four to five belay attendants helped students gain points for their RSO.

While some students climbed the wall, others maneuvered across the high ropes adventure.

“It kind of reminds me of doing a ‘Real World’ or ‘Road Rules’ challenge,”
said Kim Landis, Stevensville sophomore. “I think that part of it is believing
in yourself and not being scared.”

The obstacle course was coordinated by ROTC students and was designed to exercise communication, leadership and problem solving.

“In the rules, there has to be one who is critically injured and they
have to figure out a way to get that person through,” said Ken Rice, Houghton
Lake senior.

The events on the obstacle course were mine fields, floor-crawls and walking around cones.

Macomb junior Meredith Treppa said the blindfolds given to some group members were used to exercise communication.

“I had no idea where I was going when I was on the ground,” said Nicole Burness, Owosso sophomore.

“It’s providing a fun chance for the RSOs to get together,” said Kristy
Pierce, Warren senior. “The skills that they are working on are helpful to
any individual and their RSO.”