Eco-Challenge Goes Privett/Hope Blue

9 September 2013Emma H, Photos: Danielle A, Brynn A & Frank Z

Now that the new students are finally feeling settled in, and the returning students are reunited with deeply missed friends, interhouse competitions can really commence. As Friday was the first full day for the whole school to be together, the old and the new students alike joined in one of the most anticipated interhouse competitions of the 2013-2014 year – the Eco-Challenge. On Friday afternoon, as the four competitive house teams filled Founder’s Plaza and the waterfront, the array of blue, red, orange, and green overflowed, ready to cheer on their house teams. Despite the grey, coolish day, the athletes suited up and prepared to go head-to-head against the best of the best in each leg of the relay. Each house had a passionate cheering section, distinctly divided by vivid color. The relay race kicked off with paddle boarding. Allard/Rogers took an early lead, but the lead didn’t last long as Whittall/Alex came right back making it a tie for first by winning the doubles kayak. The anticipation grew as consecutive legs left the race neck and neck. Several events such as orienteering, shelter building, and running filled the cloudy afternoon but no athletes grew dim. No one team kept the lead- no house gave up – which kept the excitement level very high! Finally taking the Eco-Challenge title from Rogers/Allard, Privett/Hope grabbed the lead by building a massive fire and swimming to the win! A sea of blue followed the team swimmer up the dock – waving the flag and ringing the bell to signify the win. Mackenzie/Ellis took second place, finishing just under a minute and a half later. Rogers/Allard took third, followed by Whittall/Alex. The Eco-Challenge definitely set the stage for inter-house events for the rest of the year. Despite orange having the early lead, if the loud and proud cheers from each of the teams were any signification of what’s to come, the 2013-2014 inter house champions could be any one of the houses. Thanks to Mr. Norman and his team of staff and student volunteers for making this a fun and successful event. Emma H, Mackenzie ‘15

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