'Semopolluza' offers Friday-night alternative

The first Lollapalooza festival was held in 1991 to celebrate all things alternative, from music to lifestyles. Founder Perry Farrell of the band Jane's Addiction supposedly took the name from a Three Stooges movie.

The Stooges could have inspired many of the events in Friday night's first-ever "Semopolluza" at the Student Recreation Center. In Human Bowling, helmeted students lying face down on skateboards crashed headlong into 10 waste baskets, hoping to knock some down. In Inflatable Sumo Wrestling, people who are otherwise friends donned vinyl fat suits to push each other around the ring.

At least one injury requiring a hospital visit was recorded.

Thomas Warren and Meagan McGovern tied for the championship with 12 points apiece in the Stupid Human Tricks contest. Warren folded up his legs and walked on his knees. He happened on the trick when he couldn't get up after meditating the way he saw people do in martial arts movies.

McGovern, who was named champion by acclaim, was born with her talent. Her left arm is a many-jointed thing.

More traditional activities such as bingo, putt-putt golf, volleyball also were planned. In all there were 28 events, free pizza and drawings for DVD players, TVs, gift certificates and a bicycle.

The four hours of "Semopolluza" were purposefully held on a Friday night, said Dr. Sarah Hardin, an associate professor in the recreation department.

"Students are always saying they've got to go out and drink because there's nothing else to do," she said.

Four hundred and fifty students chose Semopolluza over the alternative.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182