Tonight, under the bright lights of Pasadena City College's Robinson Stadium, Caltech will defend its title as champion of the Pasadena Collegiate Field Tournament. From 6:30 to 10 p.m., schools of higher learning from around the city will compete in bouts of skill, creativity, and athletic prowess, in events such as the Amazing Russet Race, the Frisbee Touchdown Toss, and Monster Croquet.
Standing in the way of Caltech's repeat are Art Center College of Design, Fuller Theological Seminary, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Pacific Oaks College, and PCC. Each school comes up with one event. Caltech's contest is the Frisbee Touchdown Toss, which the Beavers excelled at last year. Monster Croquet, which involves hitting giant beach balls with a mallet through wickets built with balloons, was also a Beaver strength.
Last year at the Rose Bowl, donning Einstein wigs and lab coats (a creative uniform is also part of the games), Caltech team members surprised even themselves when they emerged victorious in the first-ever Field Tournament. "We had no idea we could win this thing, but it just kept getting better and better," says Tom Mannion, senior director of student activities and programs. "We just kept winning. It was an awesome feeling." This year, the team's 20 undergrads and grads hope to repeat their performance.
"All the fans last year came out and had a great time watching Caltech dominate," says junior Adam Khan, one of the team captains. Everyone's encouraged to come and cheer on Caltech as the Beavers try to continue their domination.
Admission is free. Free parking will be available at PCC in Lots 5 and 5A at the corner of Del Mar Boulevard and Bonnie Street. After the tournament, Caltech will host a barbecue outside Chandler Café for all competitors and fans.
To learn more about the Field Tournament, click here.
Written by Marcus Woo