By Chase Moss

The ancient Olympic games originated as a way for highly skilled athletes to come together and display their prowess in activities that usually applied to warfare. On November 7^th, a group of men from the Christian Student Center got together to participate in the time-honored tradition. The motivation for having the event was quite different from ancient times; The competitors from the Student Center were not highly skilled athletes and did not have much prowess to display, and further, activities such as throwing a javelin are no longer a necessary ability in warfare. The most striking resemblance between the ancient games and the CSC's modern interpretation was the presence of a single toga worn by one of the more daring participants. Differences aside, there was no lack of enthusiasm as the men used their bodies to compete for an array of coveted prizes.

The event, billed as the “1^st Annual CSC Ancient Olympics”, was planned and directed by Curtis Vernon, the resident student at the CSC. Ten of the ministry's men gathered on Johnson Field at the University of New Mexico to compete in an 800 meter run, a 100 meter dash, the long jump, wrestling, and throwing of the discus, javelin, and shot-put. Kayla Guthrie volunteered as a score keeper so that the athletes could stay focused on the trying tasks at hand.

As the events unfolded each man began to shine in the particular event that his abilities allowed him to excel. Despite the unfamiliarity of the contestants with most of the implements and the lack of previous training, each participant put forth his best effort in every event and was proud of his performance. While every competitor wanted to come out in front, the group showed an exceeding amount of sportsmanship, respect, and encouragement to one another. Onlookers couldn't help but smile as they watched a group of young men compete unashamedly in events that sometimes cause the untrained competitor to look a bit foolish.

After the final event concluded, it was pleasing to see that everyone escaped with no more than a few bruises, scratches, aching tailbones, and sore muscles. To finish the event, everyone returned to the Christian Student Center to celebrate the closing ceremonies and enjoy delicious hamburgers made by Garrett Schmille, the Student Center's campus evangelist. Prizes were awarded to the winners of each individual event as well as the overall winner who received the most points throughout the competition. Curtis got creative with all of the prizes. For example, Garrett, who won the long jump, received a Buzz Lightyear toy because he thought he could fly. Kris Merrell, who won the shot-put, was awarded with a two pound dumbbell so that he would not lose his strength. Nick Conner was crowned the overall winner of the competition and was presented with an Olive Garden gift card, a fitting prize since the winners of the ancient Olympics were decorated with olive wreaths.

Looking back, the 1^st Annual CSC Ancient Olympics could not have been more of a success. The occasion served to bring all of the participants together in friendly competition as well as showing others that Christians really do know how to have fun. All of the men involved would like to extend a big thank you to Curtis for putting on the event and the Christian Student Center for making all of this possible.