by Leandra Lepp
Bison Hill welcomed incoming freshman and transfer students on Thursday, August 17. Friends, family, and Shawnee residents gathered to watch new students compete in the Ka-Rip Wars.
Incoming freshman Zachary Ware followed in his parent’s footsteps by attending OBU competing in Ka-Rip wars.
“I expected the first week to be super overwhelming, and surprisingly, it has not been,” Ware said.
Many students echoed this sentiment. Noelle Compton, an incoming freshman, has grown up watching Ka-Rip Wars since she was a young child; her dream has come true by finally participating in the Ka-Rip Wars instead of watching on the sidelines.
“I am so thankful to be here living my childhood dream,” Compton said. “It is much more fun to experience the wars rather than watching.”
The tradition is what adds that special sentimental touch to the OBU event.
“OBU sets us up for success,” Ware said.
Students get a chance to let loose after moving into their new dorms, meeting their welcome week team, attending various lectures and chapels, and learning Ka-Rip chant and OBU’s Alma Mater. Each team vies for the title of Ka-Rip war champion. Compton rocked a monochromatic pink look with face paint and a cowgirl hat to show her support for her team.
“I guarantee the pink team will win this year; we have Shaz,” Welcome Week worker Judah Skelton said.
The pink team also carried a torch to add an intimidating touch.
“The white team has put in a lot of work for this competition and deserves the win,” Welcome Week Worker Peyton Carter said.
Carter wore a white beard, sunglasses, and coat to show his support. Two of the Student Government Association leaders on the white team were dressed as a bride and groom; they put on an entire performance together.
On the green team, Cole Taylor, a Small Group Leader (SGL), went all out with a green mohawk and face paint, along with Liv Todd, another SGL, in a bright tutu and face paint.
“We are all stoked to be here and ready to win these wars,” Taylor said.
The winning team gave it their all, using their voices and bright orange costumes to draw attention.
“The orange team has memorized the Ka-Rip chant super well, and I believe that is enough to earn us the win,” a freshman said.
The results prove her statement correct, as the orange team brought home the win.
The Ka-Rip Wars have become a symbol of unity and excitement in the OBU student body. It’s a time when students can put aside their academic worries and immerse themselves in a whirlwind of creativity, camaraderie, and friendly competition. The intensity and dedication displayed by each team are truly awe-inspiring, as they meticulously plan their performances, pour their hearts into costumes and decorations, and practice their chants and routines endlessly.
The Ka-Rip Wars serve as a platform for students to showcase their talents and creativity and as a bridge between different classes and generations of OBU students. Alumni return to campus to witness the epic battles and cheer on the teams, reminiscing on their own Ka-Rip War experiences. This shared tradition strengthens the bond between past, present, and future OBU classes, creating a network of support and shared memories.
As the 2023 Ka-Rip Wars concluded with the triumph of the orange team, anticipation for next year’s event began to build. Students and faculty eagerly await the arrival of the next class of incoming freshmen, expecting fresh ideas, innovative performances, and a renewed sense of pride in their university. The Ka-Rip Wars have become a beloved tradition at Bison Hill, a testament to the vibrant spirit and unity that defines the OBU community.
