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Having a Whole Lot of
Fun at the “House”
The Battle of the Houses brings out the
creativity at CIU
By Michael A. Lanier and Bob Holmes
The popular TV show ESPN College
Game Day broadcast live from the
Columbia International University soccer
field on Sept. 24 – well, sort of.
A group of CIU guys from one residence
hall went to great lengths to make it
look like ESPN was on the scene for
CIU men’s and women’s soccer matches
against Montreat College. It was part of
the “Battle of the Houses” featuring the
six residence halls on campus. The Battle
generates school spirit as part of the
new House Collective concept instituted
this year at CIU where freshmen now
live alongside upperclassmen. Each
residence hall or “House” is named for a
virtue (in Latin) and has its own crest and
Bible verse associated with its virtue, and
is developing its own traditions. Friendly
competitions such as the “Battle of the
Houses” are being organized throughout
the school year.
In the Battle of the Houses, members of
each house created their own cheers,
costumes, and wacky ornaments, all while
cheering on the Rams soccer teams.
“There’s a lot going on, and it’s a lot of
fun,” said sophomore Brandon Brazell, of
The House of Virtus.
“It’s super-cool that people are bringing
in their cheers and skills to help the
House,” added senior Madison Reke of
The House of Veritas.
The demonstrations of spirit by the
houses ranged from a chanting of “I
believe that we will win” to a trash can
drum corps and even more outlandish
shows of support for the Rams, including
one student who glued cotton balls to
herself to imitate a ram.
“It’s a cool opportunity to unify our campus
and show some school spirit,” said senior
Nathan Kyles of The House of Justitia.
Under the House Collective, even faculty
and staff have associated with a House.
“Great night! Fierce competition!” said
Lainie McWilliams of the Student Life
Office who associates herself with The
House of Fidelitas.
“Fidelitas is the best!” echoed her
husband, Professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams.
Throughout the night, a series of judges
graded the houses on their displays
of spirit. One of the judges was CIU
Chancellor, Dr. George Murray.
“It’s really hard to judge,” said Murray,
“because each group has their own
unique strengths. It’s wonderful to see
the enthusiasm – and hear it.”
The winning House was The House
of Virtus, the students who went all
out with the mock ESPN studio, which
included theme music to imitate ESPN’s
SportsCenter and reporters resembling
the ESPN broadcast team. Members of
the House received a steak dinner as
their prize.
“The crazy frenetic energy is amazing!”
said junior Max Harding of Sapientia,
upon seeing Virtus’ ESPN parody.
Meanwhile on the soccer field, the Rams
split, with the women victorious in the
first match and the men coming up short
in the second.
But much of the night was about unity
and school spirit.
“It’s a cool way to get the campus
together, and to get to know your
House,” said sophomore Michaela
Warner of The House of Dignitas.
“It’s a cool opportunity to unify our campus and
show some school spirit.”
– Senior Nathan Kyles
The House of Virtus celebrates their win in the “Battle of the Houses”
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CAMPUS LIFE
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