The annual freshmen “Greek Games,” took place on October 8th, 2021. This event is one of the highlights of freshman year at Ironwood Ridge High School. Every year, the freshman English classes make their way down to the library’s lecture hall after finishing up their Greek Mythology unit and compete in various games. Divided into five groups of about 15 each, each team is given a different Greek name; Sparta, Athens, Megara, Argos, and Corinth. 

The games included in this throw-down battle are Kahoot, “Ancient Greek Basketball,” dancing to Cupid Shuffle, musical chairs, the “Greek Strength Test,” and discus. In each of these games, the top three are given medals. Bronze got the teams one point, silver gave them two points, and gold got three points.

The first game, Kahoot, included questions from the class’s reading of “The Odyssey.” Whichever clan answered the most questions correctly won. During the second game of Ancient Greek Basketball, students chose five representatives for their team who participated in a game of paper basketball (a game in which you throw paper balls into a nearby trash can). The team that made the most baskets won the gold medal. When the song “Cupid Shuffle” began playing, teams were instructed to send up two of their best dancers. Who placed top three was determined by performance, team effort, and how much energy was put into the dance.

After that, musical chairs began. Once again, two people were chosen from each team, making ten participants total. Nine chairs were set in a circle, and as Justin Bieber’s “Baby” played in the background, the students slowly walked around the chairs. Once the music stops, everyone sits except one person who is eliminated. 

The last two games are guaranteed to get all the students on their feet. During the Greek Strength Test, one boy and one girl are chosen to partake in a planking contest. As students fall one-by-one, the cheering becomes louder and louder. The last one planking wins the gold. For the final game of discus, everyone makes their way outside. This time, two boys and two girls from every team are selected. They are each given a piece of pita bread to throw as far as they can. The top three furthest throws place.

After all the games are complete, the team with the most points wins. This year’s winner was Sparta!