Capstonians, over the past few years and decades, this university and its students have painstakingly searched for ways to unite the student body. Some have worked, while others have not.
But by George, I think I’ve got it.
As you walk the sidewalks of this campus, you are walking on opportunity. Large pavement squares outside buildings such as the Ferguson Center, Reese Phifer, Nott Hall, Shelby Hall, Farrah Hall and the Recreation Center prompt the question, why aren’t students playing four square here?
Yes, four square. The game you think you dominated in grade school. The game that pits four competitors against each other in four adjacent squares with a kickball and simple rules. The game that always had that one annoying kid who repeatedly cherry bombed the ball into oblivion.
Not the silly location-based social media application that falsely instructs that anyone can become a mayor if he or she frequents a place enough.
The game of four square is what this campus needs, and I believe it can happen.
The benefits are as bountiful as a Wall Street investors’ contract.
It would be cathartic. Students could sequester their bound-up energy between classes by directing it at four square opponents, safely channel their anger after being dealt a bad grade, and relieve stress as they bounce out inferior opponents.
It would promote fitness. The game demands lateral quickness and dexterity, but it is not challenging enough to ward off hesitant onlookers.
It would foster competitive spirit. With students challenging kings for their right to serve, a newfound confidence would grow on campus and be carried into the classrooms.
It would offer an enjoyable on-campus activity. We all love studying – especially in the newly renovated Gorgas Library basement – but there is a need for fun diversions during the weekday. Four square would keep people active on campus by filling in their down time.
It would spread happiness. It is almost impossible to not have fun while smacking a kickball at other people’s feet. With jovial games happening around campus, the atmosphere of the school week would lighten.
It would break down social barriers. There may be divisions between the squares in this game, but let it be known that there shall be no divisions amongst the players – unless the ball is in play.
The hitches in implementing these games on campus are small and easily solvable.
If set up correctly, a lack of participation would not be an issue. Only four people are needed for a game, and once a few are standing around the squares ready to play, more are bound to join.
I do not see safety as a concern either. Four square injuries are fairly uncommon to say the least, and students are smart enough to prevent the ball from rolling into the street.
The most important question is how the kickballs will be secured, but I do not think they should be to a great extent. Famous Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman once said, “When you treat people like idiots, they’ll behave like idiots.” If the balls were readily available for taking and returning, students would be more inclined to do so. Nearby students would monitor someone for any defiant behavior.
The cost would be minimal since kickballs only go for about $10 each and baskets to hold them would not be much more. Only a few sets should be bought to pilot the idea at first before placing a ball and basket at every possible location. If the idea does not catch on as I expect it should, laughing at me while scratching the idea off as unsuccessful is more than acceptable.
Beyond the initial purchases, there would be no operational costs except for the occasional ball replacement. Students may even donate kickballs themselves to sustain this activity if it becomes popular enough.
We should step up to the square and get the ball rolling on this idea. It could bring students together in a fun, competitive environment while brightening up the dreary school week.
Wesley Vaughn is a junior majoring in public relations and political science. His column runs on Wednesday.
