110WINTER ORGANIZATIONS AT HARDING TAILGATES, the game known as Roundnet was often played. More popularly known as Spikeball, this sport pitted two teams of two players each against one another in an attempt to hit and spike a ball on and off a net. Because of Harding’s love for Roundnet, a group of five students created the Harding Roundnet Club in fall 2021. “This club is a way to bring students together around the net,” senior Hallie Beth Beck said. “We want to teach others to play and create a community of people who love the game.” Beck gave the credit for founding the group to seniors Jake King and Ty Allen. “We’d all been discussing it for quite some time, and they finally sat down and wrote out the constitution and got it approved by the deans,” Beck said. Allen said that the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly led to the club’s founding. “We started playing frequently early in the fall semester of 2020 because the COVID guidelines prevented a lot of other sports from being playable,” Allen said. “We loved playing and wanted to keep getting better, so we figured why not help others do the same?” Once the club became official, the founders made plans for events throughout the year. “We plan on having a designated night every week where we reserve an intramural field for everyone to come out to play together,” Allen said. “Once things pick up, we plan to host tournaments both within the Harding community and with schools around us.” Although fall 2021 was the club’s first year, the founders recognized the quick friendships formed through the club. “My favorite part has been getting to work with my friends to try and help bring people together over something we love,” Allen said. Jake King, co-founder with Allen, was especially grateful for the Roundnet Club. “Without Roundnet, I’m not sure I would even have as strong of a relationship with some of the people I consider my best friends,” King said. “I’m very grateful for this sport and this club.” WRITTEN BY CARTER THWEATT The Roundnet Club enjoys its first year on campus. TIP TOP Junior Zach Hale goes for a high spike in September 2021. Height was an advantage during competitive games, but quick reflexes were an effective ally as well. Photo by: Kaitlyn Cutshall
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