While most students pursued hobbies such as sports or music, sophomore Kevin Cavender had a more medieval pastime. Using wire and metal, Cavender created his own chain mail armor in his spare time. The mail was formed in the old style of knights and infantrymen of the Middle Ages, who would wear it to protect themselves against the glancing blows of swords or daggers during combat. According to Cavender, inspiration for the hobby came from other relatives who taught him how to do various arts and crafts when he was a boy. Over time, he tried everything from making shirts to hackey sacks without finding a knack for any of the crafts. Finally, at age ll, he found the one that struck his interest. "My cousin taught me how to do [chain mail] in the sixth grade," Cavender said. "I've stuck with it ever since." Cavender used his talents this fall in order to make a lasting impression at mixers for men's social club Knights. "The first round mixer I went to for Knights was a Slip 'N Slide mixer," Cavender said. "I created a chain mail bikini top to wear to the mixer as a talking piece." The work of art did, in fact, leave a lasting impression on the club after the mixer, according to Knights member junior Ethan Adkisson. "He is an outgoing, creative, funny guy," Adkisson said. "The [bikini] is just one example of how he makes Knights New member freshman jake Owens plows through his opponent, sophomore Drake Piper, at the Knightsjoust on Nov. 3. Members constructed their own armor and lances and even used smoke effects for the annual event. Ashel Parsons Having vanquished his rivals, sophomore Luke Hoffman is anointed the joust champion by senior Chris Loftis. The event was one of the more memorable Knights traditions during Club Week each fall. Kristi Soto M~tlicw~J m i ndset a unique club." The creation of a piece of chain mail was very time-consuming. The bikini top, for example, took Cavender approximately l0 hours over the course of a weekend to create. However, after making it into the club, he felt that his hard work was well worth the effort. "I thought [the bikini] was clever, although most likely uncomfortable," sophomore Jared Dryden, fellow Knights member, said. "I think it made the impression that Kevin was creative and not afraid to challenge social boundaries." Although it might have come as a surprise to some, Cavender claimed chain mail products were in high demand among his peers and other Harding students. Requests included anything from a jewelry box to shirts and parts of armor. He also had plans to make products for fundraisers, as well as unique chain mail with different-colored designs. Cavender's friends recognized this talent only reflected his own personal individuality and uniqueness that made him such a great friend. "Kevin is a good friend because he always greets you sincerely and is invested in your life," Dryden said. "His mirth is very apparent and infectious. My favorite thing about Kevin would have to be hisjoyous personality." Russ Gray People •r 6f
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