By Naomi Balk

CIU Student Writer

It’s one of the most unique events on the CIU campus. The House Throwdown begins a new school year of friendly competitions.

On a Friday afternoon in the CIU Quad there was a bustle of activity as students from all six residence halls (Houses), as well as some faculty and staff members gathered for a cookout and lawn games as a warm up to the main event kicking off the House Collective.

In its fourth year, the House Collective is a series of events throughout the year where each House; Fidelitas, Dignitas and Veritas, Virtus, Justitia, and Sapientia compete for House points. The winner each year earns golden laurels displayed on their building.

Each House took the stage of Hoke Auditorium representing their House identity through choreography, singing and drama. The crowd went wild cheering them on while six judges determined how many points to award.

“Honestly, the House Throwdown has been really fun! It’s just fun competition!” said sophomore Aslan Irizarry standing by the stage littered with confetti and glitter after the performances. “Everyone was together. You could sense the unity.”  

Each house came in confident and ready to get ahead of the game but the house of Dignitas came in first place a with ballerina routine to a reworded Disney song and an energetic choreographed dance with over 25 ladies. Sapientia earned second place with a well-rounded representation of demographics and hobbies in their house. In third place, Virtus wrapped up their performance with a ceremonial haka dance.

“The creativity and intensity [of the performances] was great!” said CIU’s Bible professor and a House Throwdown judge, Dr. John Crutchfield. He even got creative himself making his appearance in his commencement robe and a judge wig.

But the House Collective is about more than just earning the laurels. It brings each house together in strong brotherhood and sisterhood and strives to create kingdom community for each residence.

“I like that all the Houses can come together and celebrate in unity,” said sophomore, Clara Lebo, wearing a blue Fidelitas shirt. “We’ve practiced pretty much every day this week. I enjoyed watching the freshman get more integrated.”

Sophomore Charles Raiford who is in his first year as an on-campus resident and is from the house of Virtus said, “I’ve had a great experience meshing with the guys.”

The other big House event of the year is the Shofar Cup in the spring semester that includes a cook off, a trivia bowl, an epic adventure race, a Super Smash Bros. tournament, a coffee house, an art display and a talent show.

Check out the video from the Throwdown. 

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and new academic programs such as the Doctor of Ministerial Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.