Slow and steady loses this race

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Dressed up like a cowboy and wearing sunglasses, Luke Smith, the volunteer assistant wrestling coach decided to take a chance at speed dating.

“I’m sort of on the bubble about it. I’m nervous, but anxious to meet everyone,” Smith said. “The whole place looks pretty well-decorated; it kind of puts you in the mood.”

Smith was one of 47 love-bound individuals willing to test the waters of love at six-minute intervals at the Bovee University Center Thursday night.

The speed daters took their seats under the dimmed lights at the 30 red and pink candle-lit tables. The mood was set by the a cappella choir, Central Harmony. Then, participants went on 10 six minute dates.

The event ended up coming out on top with more speed daters than expected.

The event coordinator and Mount Pleasant graduate assistant Sally Engler said that 33 people pre-registered for the event, including nine males.

“We are really happy with the outcome of people, since we had more show up,” Engler said. “We thought we were going to be extremely shy of guys, but incidentally, we ended up having more guys than girls.”

The Physical Therapy Department hosted the event and raised about $500 for “Hands for Health,” a program that provides physical therapy evaluations and treatments for people without insurance.

They fell short of their goal of hosting 100 participants and raising $1,000.

Houghton graduate student William Suits signed up to support the cause.

“I didn’t sign up out of obligation. I know where the profits are going, and I know it’s for a great cause,” he said.

Many speed daters started the night out with apprehension, not knowing what to expect. Grand Haven sophomore Courtney Stanley expected a fun experience, but said she had a “creeped out” feeling.

“Since I don’t really know what to expect, I’m hoping it doesn’t turn out to be like the speed dating scene from ’40 Year Old Virgin,’” Stanley said. “Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, though, so I might as well go through with it.”

studentlife@cm-life.com