arts_entertainment

Philosophy, Religion go head-to-head in bowling smackdown

Zachary Diezel, Science & Tech. Editor
• April 16, 2011

Janneke Parrish, a sophomore in religious studies and philosophy, was ecstatic with the result — one pin down.

Parrish’s next turn yielded zero pins. Despite her low score, Parrish said she had an “excellent time” at the annual Philosophy Club v. Academic Study of Religion Club Bowling Smackdown.

“I don’t [bowl often]. I’m actually pretty terrible at bowling,” Parrish said.

According to Ann Rives, an executive assistant in the philosophy and religious studies department, fun is what the event is all about.

“Students get to do something fun and relaxing with [the department’s] faculty as equals, because we’re all equally bad,” Rives said.

Started in 2000 by ASRC club member Brian Collins, the annual event has become a tradition among the ASRC, Philosophy Club and faculty. The event was held at The Alley on Hillsborough Street last Thursday.

According to Ken Peters, a student services assistant in the philosophy and religious studies department, the Smackdown was open to all majors, minors and faculty in the department, and was funded by the two clubs. According to Rives, some alumni attend as well. Peters bowled with the Philosophy Club, Rives with the ASRC.

Nick Palmer, a senior in political science and president of the Philosophy Club, is a veteran to Smackdown -– 2011 was his fourth year in the competition.

“We exercised our minds and wits,” Palmer said.

Andy Ross, a senior in religious studies and president of the ASRC, was optimistic about his club’s chances as the event got under way.

“Last year we got beat pretty bad. I think as far as balance is concerned, maybe this year we’ll win just because it’s Karma-esque,” Ross said. “I’m not good [at bowling], but I’m hoping that the other people in my club are good. I feel good about them.”

According to Palmer and Ross, neither club had any formal practice prior to the event.

As the night wore on, conversation, laughter, and friendly yet competitive banter between the clubs persisted.

Win Pratt, a senior in international studies and religious studies minor, said he is taking bowling as a PE this semester. Pratt was the highest scoring member of the ASRC teams in both rounds.

“I’m doing alright. I’m bowling better than I usually do,” Pratt said.

Dustin Leininger, a sophomore in physics, had a solid round with a few strikes at his first Smackdown.

“I feel pretty good. It’s great to get out and meet people in the same major as you,” Leininger said. “I feel great about the strikes. I’m feeling on a roll.”

Mary Hamner, a senior in religious studies, felt she did not do as well. She still had an enjoyable evening, however.

“Tonight’s been a blast,” Hamner said.

At the end of the night, the scores were tallied. Palmer led his club to a third consecutive victory, with a 168 in the first round -– the highest score of the night.

“I pulled a rabbit out of my hat,” Palmer said of his round.

According to Rives, Smackdown’s scoring system has been revised over the years. The current policy, taking the three highest scores from each round, is to encourage attendance by those who fear they may bring their team down.

The prize for the winning club is the Golden Bowling Pin Trophy, which Rives said will be presented at the departmental graduation ceremony.

ATL: Best Scores

Philosophy Club: total 883 (adv. 138.833)

Round 1: 168 (Nick Palmer, club president, Senior in Political Science); 137 (Nick Miano, Senior in Philosophy); 123 (James Hensley, senior, Chemical Engineering)

Round 2: 140 (James Hensley); 134 (Ronald Endicott, professor of philosophy); 131 (John Carroll, Professor of Philosophy)

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Academic Study of Religion Club: total 700 (adv. 116.667)

Round 1: 129 (Win Pratt, Senior, International Relations); 128 (Andy Ross, club president, senior in Religious Studies); 114 (Kat Chesney)

Round 2: 123 (Win Pratt); 108 (David Whitcher, Junior, Religious Studies); 98 (Amanda Jones)

//source: I was there

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ALT2: Scoring Method:

Best three scores are taken from each round from each club for both games.

//source: John Carroll, professor of philosophy

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ALT3: Past Winners