Last weekend was Wheaton’s 10th annual Big Event. WAMs (Wheaton Athletic Mentors) from each varsity sport collaborated to make a fun and sober weekend on campus. Tennis WAM Lawrence Chan ‘15 said, “My favorite part of the weekend was how athletes and non-athletes joined together to have a wonderful nigh. And who doesn’t love cotton candy?”
The WAMS program is designed to be a liaison between student athletes and the administration to promote academic achievement, health, and social responsibility, ultimately enhancing the experience of being a student athlete. This event is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL) and the Department of Atheltics. Programming Council, the Senate Fund, and The Chateau.
The event is open to all students and their families. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the dangers of misusing alcohol and to create a space where students can engage in activities without substance.
“I think it is a good way to bring the student body together… It’s about a community and the fun that can be had by being around that community” said Robyn Mandel ’14.
Emily Kiablick, the women’s lacrosse head coach and WAMs co-coordinator Craig Letourneau work closely with the student WAMs to keep the tradition going.
Festivities began Friday evening with a comedian in Balfour-Hood Atrium at 10:30 p.m. Saturday evening there was a carnival in Haas Athletic Center. A DJ played music while students engaged in various activities within blown-up obstacle courses. Students could purchase T-shirts for eight dollars that said “Score big” on the front and “Big Event 14” on the back. All proceeds benefitted Heller’s Angels Special Olympics in Attleboro, Norton’s neighboring town.
Snacks included pizza, hot dogs, nachos, snack mix, water and lemonade, and the night concluded with karaoke at the Loft.
On Sunday, students were invited to Hindel to watch the Super Bowl where WAMs provided more free food, snacks before halftime and pizza later on.
The Big Event shows students that they can have fun on the weekends without substances.
“If you can dodge a beer, you can dodge a ball,” said Caroline Stanclift ’16.