29 Treading Lightly Throughout Harding’s history students had found unique ways to fill their time outside of classes and day-to-day life. In fall 2023, clubs and others alike participated in water polo in the pool at the Ganus Athletic Center. Various clubs established a routine of meeting once a week for a game in the pool. Men’s social club Beta Omega Chi could be found there from 7:30-8:30 on Monday nights; senior Ethan Conn talked about how he first became involved with the activity. “I think it really picked up [in fall 2020], and now it’s become a common, unstructured thing that we all know to go to,” Conn said. “We average about 30 members, but as the semester goes on, that number dwindles down and fluctuates . . . When we play, we like to tackle each other and just have some fun.” While Beta Omega Chi members played on Mondays, the Knights social club began their water polo games spring 2023 with games on Wednesday nights. Knights athletic director, junior Grant Dale, shared the experience of Wednesday night games. “We divide up into three different teams and play in the shallow end, and we rotate the teams based on who loses and Students find outlet in water polo in the Ganus Athletic Center Going for it | Rushing for the ball, Rylan Partlow participates in the game on _______. Water polo became a favorite activity for clubs. Photo by Lauren Simmons play until 10:30,” Grant said. “A good fifty percent of the club shows up to play, and a significant number of freshmen come because it’s a good recruiting tool for us. Several members from Omega Phi and Theta join as well.” Club water polo nights provided a unique opportunity for multiple clubs to join together for some unofficial fun, but it didn’t stop there. The women’s social clubs also participated in the water polo phenomenon. Zeta Rho and Delta Gamma Rho put on a water polo game for their new members in the fall 2023 club week. Senior Lucy Rosser attended the game. “The energy from both clubs and their members made it encouraging for the new members,” Rosser said. “Not only to have fun but get to connect with another club as well.” Even though attendance varies throughout games, water polo has been proven to withstand the busy schedules of students. The popularity of the game has continued to grow through the 2023 school year. One thing was certain: water polo had a consistent presence on the Harding campus in fall 2023. They could be found most nights, battling in the swimming pool for victory. Story by Sophie Thibodeaux TREADING LIGHTLY
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