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College political organizations hit the field

The College Republicans and College Democrats took time off the campaign trail Sunday for a friendly sporting event.

The game was softball, but politics were often present at Jaycee Field as the two organizations vied for a win against their political rivals.

John Teresi, president of the College Republicans, said it is a common misconception that the organizations do not get along. He said many of the two group's members are good friends and that the event was his idea as a way to have fun before the anxiety of the elections increased.

"There's a lot of tension going on with it being an election season," said Teresi said. "We just wanted a way for people to get out and get some exercise and have fun before things get heated."

Although Sarah Bauer, president of the College Democrats, said they did not plan to use the game as an indicator of the upcoming election, they, of course, had their opinions on the results.

Both Bauer and Teresi, though not as confident about their performance in the game were certain their party would reign victorious on Nov. 2.

Before beginning the game, the two teams tried to find the best way to decide who should go first. After suggestions of paper, scissors, rock from the Republicans and a coin toss from the Democrats, the coin toss won out.

Although it was their suggestion, the Democrats were still reluctant about using a coin toss to determine who batted first.

"Now let me make sure the coin isn't double-sided," a member of the College Democrats said. " I know about Florida, but I don't know about this coin."

Before the first pitch was thrown, players were restless, busy giving and fielding questions from their teammates.

But these inquiries were not of strategy nor were they the typical reinforcement from the coach. Like the pitches in the softball game they prepared to play, the questions tossed were unusually light.

Bauer admits that there was little team preparation before the game. In fact, prior to her turn in the field, Bauer and another player on the Liberals team are forced to wander over to the other team's dugout with a simple but unusual question for their opponents.

"Do you have a couple of gloves they can use?" her teammate asks.

The batting order was not kept, car mats were used as bases, and in the case of the College Democrats, coaches doubled as umpires.

Despite the conflict of interest, Beau Detrick and Matt Schlueter were comfortable with being biased. The two provided helpful advice throughout the game, reminding their players to "watch for the hidden ball trick," as they played.

"Oh yea, we're biased," Schlueter said. "If it's a tossup with one of the calls, it's definitely going the democrats way."

Although the game was a friendly challenge, the teams could not help but make the occasional political remark about the other team.

"At first, they wanted to have the game at one, then they wanted to have it at two, then at three," laughed Ryan Coffey, a senior in political science and member of the College Republicans. "They couldn't make up their mind."

His teammate, Laura Koelling agreed.

"Typical liberal flip-flopping," she said.

Whether they were voting Democrat or Republican, Marty Morris, who played for the College Democrats, was happy with the turnout on both sides.

"People are always saying that our generation doesn't care," Morris said. " But yet, we're the generation that does the most complaining. In order to complain, you have to get out and vote."

College democrats and republicans will debate Tuesday at 7:30 in the T.V. Lounge of the Student Center.

 

 

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