What was supposed to be a lively kickball game on Saturday, Oct. 4, turned into a quiet round of campus golf, as Colorado College’s Second Saturday Series continues to struggle to find enough players.
On Monday, before the kickball tournament, Assistant Director of Recreation and Fitness Andy Obringer informed the Catalyst that there were no sign-ups for the event. This triggered the pivot to golf, a solo sport that could be played with fewer people.
Andy also said they thought campus golf could be something that alumni could participate in and create nostalgia for. Of the nine players, four were alumni.
A lack of numbers is not a new issue for the Second Saturday Series. According to Obringer, the Second Saturday Series has always struggled to attract participation, and this was not the first time they had to pivot due to a lack of numbers. He described a disconnect between students who exhibited excitement when he told them about the next series and then failed to show up at the event once it happened.
Obringer said that about half of the series get a relatively good turnout, but they struggle with finding activities that bring in numbers for the other half. For the series, they aim to host fun, inclusive, low-commitment and one-time activities.
Advertising could also add to the disconnect between excitement and participation. Information for the event is on Instagram and the CC Daily Digest. Obringer said that he isn’t sure how else to promote the event. Chris Starr, Director of Recreation and Fitness, said that RAs have been giving posters to put up to spread the word. Even with all this advertising, students aren’t always getting the message.
Zaid Momani ‘28 said, “I know they are on second Saturdays, yet I don’t really remember them; there is not a ton of publicity.”
“As a freshman, I just learned about it,” said Bea Porter ‘29.
“I would totally do it,” said Lilly Wilson ‘29. “I just didn’t know it was a thing.”
Despite low numbers, participants are still enjoying the Second Saturday Series. Miles Olney ’29, the winner of the campus golf tournament, said he was excited about the series and hopes to participate in almost all of them.
The next iteration of the Second Saturday Series is currently in the works; however, Starr and Obringer are open to suggestions.