If anyone thinks college students are too old to play in the mud, they should pay a visit to the mud pit on St. Rita's Lane near South Lake Village on Saturday, April 26.
Oozfest, the annual volleyball tournament sponsored by the University Student Alumni Board, gives students an opportunity to partake in music, food and sport - all in a giant mud pit.
According to Ruth Kleinman, co-chairwoman of Oozfest, the event's popularity has grown considerably since it was first started in 1984, when only 16 teams participated in Oozfest. This year, Kleinman said, the Oozfest bracket system has been expanded to accommodate 128 teams.
Teams sizes range from six to eight people.
"This is going to be the largest Oozfest ever," Kleinman said. "There are some alumni teams, at least one faculty team, mostly student teams, sponsorship teams and some mixed teams."
There is a mandatory $120 registration fee to enter Oozfest, which is used for the various expenses of the tournament, including food, beverages and Oozfest T-shirts for participants, and mud pit maintenance.
According to Oozfest guidelines, the mud pit has to be of a certain texture and makeup, to keep Oozfest consistent from year to year.
"It's just so much fun," said Brian Pustolka, a sophomore mathematics major. "Granted, it's not good clean fun in the literal sense, but the whole event is a great time."
Pustolka said Oozfest provides a release for students who are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of final exams.
"I had a really great time participating last year," Pustolka said. "Besides, when you get to the end of the semester, sometimes all you can do is just let yourself go and play in the mud. Oozfest allows you to do that."
Andrew Hyzy, a junior English major, said he was confused about what Oozfest was when he was a freshman.
"I thought that people were talking about (heavy-metal music festival) Ozz-Fest," Hyzy said. "Of course, I quickly realized my error, but I have to admit that Oozfest is a great, muddy time. And you don't even have to be playing in the tournament to have fun, either."
Tarcio Barbosa, a freshman business major, said he is excited about participating in the tournament.
"I've heard that Oozfest is a lot of fun," Barbosa said. "Friends have told me about all the activities, food, fun and games. I'm not sure what else to expect, but I'm sure there will be a lot of mud and a lot of volleyball."
Ashley Bovenzi, a sophomore majoring in American studies and vocal performance, said she has wanted to participate in Oozfest festivities, but she feels that students should not have to pay the registration fee.
"I have always wanted to try Oozfest because it sounds like so much fun, but I decided not to because of the cost," Bovenzi said. "I thought that it would be cheaper, especially since this is a college event, and as we all know, college students aren't always the wealthiest of people."
"Anyone can play outside in the mud," she added. "It's not like there isn't enough of it around Buffalo. Besides, if mud is free, then so should Oozfest."
Bovenzi said Oozfest participation would be more feasible if students were able to obtain sponsorship.
According to Kleinman, some teams are sponsored.
"The event brings in participants, spectators, sponsors and volunteers," said Kleinman.
Although it is too late to register for this year's Oozfest, Kleinman said, "Spectators are more than welcome to come and be a part of the fun and see the muddy mess."
