Four square is not for squares at GCSU

   To many, four square is just considered to be a simple child’s game played on numbers of playgrounds around the world.
    To some GCSU students, it might as well be considered a gladiator game.
    Four square has made a quiet, yet triumphant, comeback to GCSU. The main stage is located in the courtyard between the 400, 500 and 600 Buildings at The Village at West Campus.
    Spectators can look on from their respective apartments adding to the arena-like atmosphere. On any given night, there may be anywhere from five to 20 students out reliving a part of their childhood or possibly playing for their first time.
    “It’s a great way to have fun with my friends,” says freshman Zach Truman. “It brings me back to my childhood memories. We’re a lot older, and we take the game more seriously, and we just want to be the best.”
    For those who may have forgotten, setting up and playing is simple. To begin, all you need is a ball and a square that is divided into four smaller squares.
    After the person in the “king” square serves, the object of the game is to get to the king square by hitting the ball into one of the other squares. If one of your opponents does not return it then they are eliminated and will have to start from the bottom square again.
    Beyond that, the varying rules make each and every game unique, and, in the case of the games played at GCSU, more intense.
    “We make up a lot of rules. Serve rules, line rules that really wasn’t covered in elementary school,” says sophomore David Lazarro, one of the students who is leading the revival. “It’s really fun. It’s a good activity, gets your heart rate up. The guys out here really make it competitive with all of their trash talk.”
    Sprained fingers and bruised egos are not uncommon as some players go all out when diving for balls even on the brick surface. The competitiveness is unparalleled anywhere else. Comebacks of 25-points are seen almost every night. Strategies are formed and enemies come together to take down the top dog.
    I just like hanging out with my friends and showing them that I’m the best baller,” exclaims freshman Charlton Ware, one of the top four square players. “I mean, look at us. We’ve got the best people out here, and the number one baller always dominates.”
    This child’s game cannot be written off as just a fad either. Like other games such as dodgeball and kickball, there are official leagues set up all around the country. The Four Square World Championships take place in Bridgton, Maine every year and it draws competitors all around the world.
    So if you ever decide to come out and play, feel free to do so, just be sure to bring your A-game, as these young warriors fight for fame and fortune but mostly a good time.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 9 2007. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry