By Michela Gritti
UNC Pembroke’s Campus Recreation kicked off the semester with a brand-new event called Pick and Ball, held Thursday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Students gathered on the recently completed recreation fields for a night of games, fun, and connection.
The event marked the first time students used the new fields at night, making it feel like an inauguration of the space Campus Rec has been developing for the past year and a half. The atmosphere was enjoyable and welcoming, with both girls and boys showing up to try different games and hang out with friends.
Students could choose from a variety of activities, including cornhole, spikeball, KanJam, wiffleball, kickball, soccer, and even a fast-paced game of Puckit ball. The mix of options made it easy for everyone to find something they enjoyed, whether they wanted to play competitively or just for fun.
Associate Director of Competitive Sports, Shawn Conboy, highlighted the importance of student support in making the project possible. “This new facility was a big investment that we were able to make thanks to student tuition. This is to show that what you guys pay is coming back to you,” Conboy said.
He also noted the significance of the event. “This is the first time we’re using this new field at night, and I hope we’ll reach about 120 people,” he added.
Campus Rec hopes these new facilities will make students’ experience here at UNCP even more enjoyable. Starting Sept. 8, open play in the facility area is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by club practices from 4 to 7 p.m., and intramural sports from 7 to 10 p.m.