The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
The Basement Brewhaus hosted the first Bop It Competition Oct. 15. 19 students tested the retention of their childhood skills in an effort to win 20 Brewbucks and an $80 University gift card.
Emmitt Williams created and hosted the competition, drawing personal inspiration for creating the event from past Brewhaus promotions.
Alison Schommer cries out in disappointment after being eliminated during the “pass it” preliminary round. Photo by Emily Hoffmann.
“Last year, at the Brewhaus’ white elephant event, I got the idea to have our own Bop It Competition after one of the baristas had gotten one as a gift for white elephant,” Williams said.
After completing the sign-up process, competitors were split into two groups following a large round of eliminations. Competitors had to carefully listen to the instructions during the second round and were eliminated for mistakes.
After the preliminary rounds, remaining competitors entered into one-on-one battles until only one person remained in the competition. Ryan McDowell took home the grand prize.
The chance to experience nostalgia from playing Bop It is what inspired several students to compete.
“Bop It was one of the most intense things for me in my childhood,” sophomore Nyssa McCoy said. “I don’t know anyone who has a Bop It anymore. I have a chance to play with one now, so I will take it.”
Senior Jillian Phillips was inspired to compete with the event because of its quirky theme.
Two students battle it out during the “one-on-one” round. Photo by Emily Hoffmann.
“It was just such a random, goofy idea,” Phillips said. “I always have to play with them at the store, so I just had to do it.”
“I am a Bop It enthusiast,” participant Henry Robinson said. “I have been training for this and am very excited. I am ready to ‘Bop’.”
Though unconventional, Williams’ Brewhaus Bop It Competition showed there was child-like enthusiasm left within several students. Despite there being a single winner, it seemed many enjoyed the event.
Anna Welton
Reporter
awelt600@uwsp.edu
