Is all that studying and paper-writing driving you nuts? Are you in need of an escape for a day to unwind and release that end-of-semester stress?
Would flinging yourself face-first into a big pile of mud do the trick?
Twenty-one years ago, a handful of students and faculty answered 'yes' to that question, and now over two decades later, Oozfest is one of UB's most popular and messiest traditions.
Sponsored by the UB Student Alumni Board, Oozfest was specifically created to give students a break from their studies at the end of the spring semester. Organizers say it's one of the biggest mud volleyball tournaments in the world today, and on Saturday, as Oozfest turns 21, the competition will be in full swing at the mud pits behind South Lake Village Apartments on St. Rita's Lane.
The highlight of the day, of course, is the tournament, but other activities include leapfrog and wheelbarrow races, tug-of-war, and root beer pong.
The tournament starts early in the morning, but for those who aren't participating and just want to watch the fun, there's plenty of time. With 128 teams competing this year, Oozfest will run until about 5 p.m.
The tournament is double elimination and each team has six to eight members. According to Lindsay Catone, a co-chair of the UB Student Alumni Board, each match will last 15 minutes.
"This year we hope to be a little more organized," Catone said. "The Student Association donated a time clock to countdown the games. This should help us stay on schedule."
For the top three teams in the tournament, prizes in gift certificates range from $50 to $150, and the first place team receives a free slot in the tournament for the following year.
The Saturday forecast calls for rain showers throughout the day with a high temperature in the low 50's. But bad weather rarely keeps Oozfest participants away.
"These events are not only for UB students," Catone said. "Schools from all over, especially other District II schools from around the country and Canada, will be participating. Alumni from 16 years ago will be coming."
Sometimes, to change things up a bit at Oozfest, teams have gone out of their way to show up in costumes, Catone said.
"Last year guys came decked out in bubble wrap, a team wore Sponge Bob Square Pants t-shirts, and another team must have gone to the thrift store because they came dressed up like old men," Catone said. "It was hilarious."
Aaron Sarkodie-Mensah, a sophomore business administration major, said he can't wait to get down and dirty.
"Oozfest is a great way to have fun with your friends and relax before finals," Sarkodie-Mensah said. "I'm looking forward to playing some volleyball in my waders."
To celebrate another year of the annual event, with this year's theme being Absolute Mud, organizers are going all out to ensure Oozfest 2005 is the best yet, Catone said.
"There is so much that goes into the preparation of Oozfest," Catone said. "We've been working very closely with the fire department and the University Police nonstop."
According to Catone, it takes two or three of the fire department's strongest hoses working both Friday evening and Saturday morning to achieve the best mud consistency.
Crysten Rushmore, a sophomore speech and hearing science major, said she went to Oozfest last year and is looking forward to it again.
"Last year I didn't play in the volleyball tournament, but there is enough going on to keep you entertained," Rushmore said. "You have to take about five showers to wash all the mud out of your hair though."
Catone said even if you're not competing, it's probably unwise to wear your Saturday best.
"I judged the games last year and you can't help but get muddy," Catone said. "Once you get some mud on you, you might as well be covered in it. Last year we ended up making mud angels."
Paula's Donuts, Carrabba's, Fuddruckers, T.G.I. Friday's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Anderson's, among others, are sponsoring the event, and Wild 101.1 will be emceeing throughout the day.
"It's great to see this many people getting together and having this much fun," Catone said. "Oozfest is the one event that gets both the alumni and UB students together every year."
