Friday, April 15 was filled with mudslinging, volleyball and some healthy competition on Southeastern’s campus. The fourth annual Swamp Bowl was put on by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) in front of the Pennington Student Activity Center.

Teams were made by many different campus organizations and groups. Peer Educators Educating Peers (PEEPS), the Student Government Association, fraternities, sororities and the Office of Admissions were among the teams who battled for the championship. Participation for Swamp Bowl came easy and in great numbers. Many teams got creative and made uniforms that a theme, or sported the Swamp Bowl t-shirt all participants received for signing up.

“Our team played well as a team. We made sure to keep it fun and remember it was just a game,” said Freshman business major, Sarah Callender.

Swamp Bowl is played like a regulation volleyball game, with each team trying to score an overall 15 points, but with a twist.  Each game takes place in 12 inches of mud. The event is set up as a two game elimination tournament.  At the end of the day, the two left standing battled for the title of Swamp Bowl champs and a trophy that has been sponsored by Tau Kappa Epsilon (ΤΚE) for every Swamp Bowl.

ΤΚE were the winners of  the first three Swamp Bowls and won this year as well. The losing teams made sure to keep a positive attitude and remember that it was all for fun.  When they were eliminated, many teams stayed around to support others and see who was going to end up being the champs.

“I have played volleyball for many years, but this was like no other game I have played. It was nice to participate in a new challenge,” said Callender.

Food was available to those who participated in the tournament.  Fried chicken, or fish (for those participating in Lent) were served along with french fries.  PEEPS set up a cleaning station for the day, where players could rinse themselves off after getting covered in the mud during their volleyball games, then pick up a complimentary towel, also provided by PEEPS, to dry off with.  Music, with a DJ provided by CAB, also kept the crowd and players going throughout the day.

The crowd was not lacking in number.  Many people came out just for the show and to support their friends that did have a team.  Some wore the team colors that they were supporting.  Others just went out for the fun.  The music, upbeat energy and amusement in watching volleyball being played in the mud seemed to draw many people to the Pennington Center that day.

“I had a great time and am looking forward to next year. Maybe next year someone will be able to knock the TKEs out of first place,” said Callender.

For more information on future CAB events or the next Swamp Bowl, contact CAB at 985-549-3805.