Competitors let slip the Nerf balls of war at Bongo Ball Mania
Part of Central Michigan University’s campus became a Nerf battleground Friday afternoon.
The competitive shooting match Bongo Ball Mania broke out in the field between Finch Fieldhouse and the Health Professions Building. About 150 people came to play in a paintball-like game, using Nerf football-launching air guns. The field was prinkled with a number of inflatable blocks for participants to take cover behind.
Chesterfield sophomore Brittany Martin, daytime and special events coordinator for Program Board, organized the event as a fun way for students to start their weekend.
“People have been saying it’s really fun to shoot people and it’s been exciting,” Martin said.
Program Board hosts Bongo Ball Mania annually but moved the date to increase attendance, Martin said.
Teams were composed of five players engaged in fierce competition — once a player was hit with one of the launched Nerf balls they were out of the round.
Many of its participants couldn’t help but get into the game.
“I’ve seen people diving over people to block them, it’s been pretty intense,” said Big Rapids sophomore Rebecca Sarkozi.
The game is advertised by its producer Cutting Edge Productions as a hybrid of “American Gladiator,” paintball and capture the flag. The Nerf balls are intended to provide a competitive atmosphere while not leaving bruises or paint splatters everywhere.
Bay City sophomore Kasey McFarland was drawn to the activity because of a previous interest in recreational shooting sports.
“I heard it was like paintball and I know I like that,” McFarland said.
Several attendees stayed through much of the event and went back for second and third games.
Caledonia sophomore Dylan Cochran said communication was a vital factor in winning teams.
“It’s a lot less fun if your team doesn’t communicate,” Cochran said. “People on my team did though so it was really nice.”
