Representing each of N.C. State’s 12 colleges, students will compete in both academic and physically demanding challenges in the inaugural College Cup Saturday.

 Organized by Student Government and Campus Recreation, the more mentally stimulating events will begin at Harris Field, followed by “field day”-like athletic competitions on Centennial Campus. Buses will take students to Centennial Campus for the second half of the games.

The winner of the collective competitions will receive a trophy from Chancellor Randy Woodson that has been likened to the Stanley Cup.

The cup will feature an inscription of the winning college and the year, and has enough inscription spaces to last for 28 years, solidifying the College Cup’s presence at State as an annual tradition, according to Scott Moore, a junior in computer engineering and College Cup coordinator.

According to Moore, students stand to gain more than just a fun afternoon of competing with peers. Attendees and volunteers will be provided free pizza, and social games featured between competitions will act as a mingling incentive between teams.

“This time will give students the opportunity to interact without being competitive,” Moore said.

The tournament calls for five males and five females per college, equaling over 120 people including volunteers. Students interested in signing up can do so via the tournament’s Facebook page, which is still open for registration.

70 students have already registered and committed themselves to Saturday’s festivities, though Moore said more are likely to register soon.

“We’re expecting, like any registration, an influx of applications last minute,” Moore said.

There are still many slots available, and according to Moore,  students whose desired college’s appropriation of participants are full can apply as an alternate or to compete for another college.

Moore said the College Cup isn’t solely for the benefit of the competitors.

“It gives everyone involved a chance to show pride for their friends, colleagues, and school,” Moore said.

By cheering from the sidelines, Moore said spectators emanate pride and support for more than just their college.

“Unification is a key element of the cup,” Moore said. “We hope to see students collaborate both competitively as well as socially.”

When asked which college would stand triumphant, with golden cup shimmering, Moore said, “Engineering. Definitely. One hundred percent.”

Moore later conceded because he majors in engineering, he may be a little biased.