Pool Competition Attracts Tidal Waves of Talent

Before the Oscars, UT Dallas took time out to tip its hat to the biggest flop.

Recreational Sports hosted a belly flop and cannonball smackdown on Jan. 28 that left four contestants winners and others merely soaked.

Not to be confused with Olympic diving techniques, the cannonball is meant to maximize rather than minimize splash on water entry.

For heartier souls, the belly flop requires hitting the water stomach first. It can be painful and often leaves a red mark.

Winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions were judged on splash magnitude:

• Belly flop — Brad Perkinson and Stephanie Bouillion.
• Cannonball — Richard Badgett and Heather Compton.

More recently, on Feb. 8 and 9, Recreational Sports hosted the Metroplex Showdown Racquetball Tournament. The competition drew 20 competitors from UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UT Southwestern, Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas.

UNT defeated UT Dallas in the Intermediate Division championship to squeak by UT Southwestern in team points and claim the traveling trophy.

Upcoming Recreational Sports events include:

• 3-Point Shootout, 2-Ball Shooter’s Challenge and Slam Dunk Competition,
  9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the
  Activities Center Main Gym.
• Eat ‘n Educate, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.,
  Thursday, Feb. 21,
  SOM 3.210.
  Participants are invited to bring a lunch and join the discussion on reaching fitness goals.
• 2008 Texas Championship Wrestling Tournament, 12-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24,
  Activities Center Main Gym. This event is free and open to the public. Wrestlers compete for their schools and individually to earn a chance to play in the National Tournament.