Foccer!

Two words have never fused together more perfectly than "Frisbee" and "Soccer." And likewise, two sports have never been combined more fantastically since basketball and trampolines formed Slamball, a game that was televised a few years back on one of the lesser cable channels. (Seriously, check it out. If I ever make millions down the road and decide to donate to Dartmouth, the first thing in my name will be a Slamball court.)

But back to Foccer, a sport that was created right here at Dartmouth.

Here's the rule book:

1) Foccer involves one soccer ball, one Frisbee, and at least ten people. Legend has it that one inspired individual once tried to play Foccer by himself, but we're not sure if he survived.
2) When playing with the soccer ball, all rules of soccer apply and a goal is scored by kicking it in between a goal marked by shoes.
3) When playing with the Frisbee, all rules of Frisbee apply (if there are rules) and a point is made by catching the Frisbee anywhere behind the other team's shoe line.
4) Both the soccer ball and Frisbee are used simultaneously.
4) The score is always tied 4-4.
5) Foccer must always, and will always, be capitalized.

I returned back to campus last Tuesday after a fun-filled spring break in the Dominican Republic, and joined a game of Foccer being played on the Green in the midst of an absolutely warm and gorgeous day. The best part about the game was the constant interruptions caused by seeing so many friendly faces reappear in Hanover. Because of the D-Plan, many amazing students hadn't been on campus during the winter (and in some cases fall and winter), which made these reunions that much more joyful. And the best way to engage in one of these friend reunions is to run full speed at each other and hug, 0r bump chests, or even commit to a “Saved by the Bell” high-five. The important part is the full-speed running.

This combination of all of these frenzied hugs and both soccer and Frisbee would be difficult for even the most conditioned athlete to endure. But I did my best. Calling on my time spent riding the bench in high school soccer, I employed the cherry-picking strategy to great effect, although most of my shots ended up going right into the stomachs of defenders rather than in between the shoe posts.

But alas, eventually the game ended, and even with my efforts, the final score was 4-4.