Human pretzels: Students use Twister game to raise funds

Patrick Siller

Shouts of pain and strain were heard as participants gathered to compete in a team style Twister Tournament in Kulhavi Hall Tuesday night.

“We thought it would be a nice idea to have something to break up the monotony of school work and give people a chance to win some sweet prizes along the way,” said Port Huron senior and coordinator Heather Chapman.

Organizers transformed the classroom into a makeshift arena, complete with a refreshment stand and an overflowing prize table.

Prizes included items such as beach towels and swimming accessories, glow-in-the dark puzzles, various card games and movies.

Groups of students waiting to compete served as cheerleaders for their fellow competitors as they encouraged each other to stay in the game as long as they could.

Along with the usual shouts of excited players, a mix of ‘ouch’ and ‘hurry up’ as players stretched beyond their limits could be heard.

Trying to stay on the mat just a little longer was made even more difficult as the moves forced participants to arrange themselves in very awkward positions.”People looked like they are in a human pretzel,” said Brent Kearns, a Clinton Township sophomore.

Participants took frequent breaks from the game to share laughs and stories of having to stretch to reach a color that left them with their head up someone’s rear end.

Those awkward moments could be seen all night long as people attempted to outstretch themselves and keep the game going.

Traverse City senior Mo McManus had to rely on support from viewers, as well as her own ‘inner cheerleader,’ as she tried to beat out her opponent and win the prize.

“I had to just keep telling myself ‘you have been in it so long you can’t just give up now,’” McManus said.

As the games continued, players showed visual signs of their fatigue as their faces reddened and limbs started to shake as they pushed themselves to keep in the game. The event was sponsored by Residence Hall Assembly as part of their year-long philanthropy project.

Proceeds from the event will go to support the Listening Ear Crisis Center, located at 107 E. Illinois St.

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