Every year, there comes a weekend when you are contractually obligated to perform a certain task. In other words, YA GOTTA REGATTA! Hailed as one of ESPN's Top 100 college student activities, the Fisher Regatta is a celebration of spring time, swimming suits, brats and sunshine — basically everything warm. What better way is there to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than taking in a competitive race featuring your fellow students?
Beginning in the dark ages of 1987, this single elimination boat race is sure to feature crafts ranging from the sleek and sexy to the bulky and impractical. While many will approach the day with dreams of victory and glory, all but one team will see their hopes sink beneath the choppy water of St. Mary's lake. O'Neill and Badin, the respective winners of last year's men's and women's brackets, are expected to put on a strong show as challengers close in from all sides.
Beginning at the crack of one o'clock, the event has more to feature than just thrilling nautical theatrics. Fisher Hall will be out in force, grilling absurd amounts of delicious meat for those willing to wait in line. Coca Cola, a regular sponsor, will be providing ice-cold soda to quench the thirsts of all those parched by the midday sun. The scent of fresh lake air is sure to compliment the delectable offerings providing the best meal this side of Eddy Street.
The men of Fisher Hall have been promoting the event like men on a mission. Supporting the traditional seafaring hairstyle (a Mohawk), hordes of Fishermen have descended on the dining hall and even DeBartolo to cajole any random passerby into attending Saturday afternoon. In addition to their hard work, the Regatta has taken on a life of its own. Weeks prior to Fisher's promotion, signs have appeared in the entrances of various dorms, seeking each resident to participate in the construction of their vessel. Consistently drawing an entry from every dorm, the Regatta is not only one of the more entertaining events on campus, but also one of the best attended.
The residents of Fisher hall have been preparing in their own unique style for Saturday's event with Fred and Sally. Named for the benefactors of Fisher Hall, the honorable Fred and Sally Fisher, the week consists of brotherhood, competition and a special appearance by University President Emeritus Fr. Theodore Hesburgh. Fisher Hall truly lets loose to properly show respect and gratitude to those who made their living quarters possible. While some of the events may cause your mother to blush, they are all in good fun.
Teddy Schaefer, one of the event's commissioners, has high hopes for this year's race.
"We've put in a lot of work, but it'll pay off," he said. "The Regatta's always the biggest dorm event and we intend to keep it that way."
When asked about the prospects of Fisher's entry following last year's fateful sinking of their traditional Styrofoam craft, Schaefer responded, "Oh, we're fast," before staring down every man, woman and child in sight.
Great things and times are expected to be had by all this Saturday. Year in and out, Fisher Hall delivers entertainment and competition unparalleled by any other dorm event. So get off your butt, mosey on down to St. Mary's Lake, enjoy the freakishly awesome weather, eat some appetizing bratwurst and take in the best competitive spirit Notre Dame has to offer.
Contact Nick Anderson at nanders5@nd.edu
