Sprints, Smooches, and Superheroes: A Saint’s Rush Review
By: Natalie Wright
For about a month before the actual rush, I could not keep track of the number of times I overheard ‘Sooo, should I run for a guy I actually like?’, as upper years laughed and responded ‘Oh, @$%&*, of course you should rush the guy you like!’. Wrong. But, in any case, it was great to see so much anticipation for the kick-start of our first formal, the Saints Charity Ball!
I am one to get ridiculously excited about our formals; specifically for the glamour they bring to our regular sweat-pant-ridden student lives. I was a little skeptical about whether or not this year’s Comic Book theme would be as glamorous as past years have been, with themes like Motown and the Deep South. However, a couple of things ousted my apprehensions about this year’s Saints Ball.
Firstly, whoever’s idea it was to have our resident college hunks make videos to show why we should duke it out for their hands is absolutely effing brilliant. Fabio’s astonishing mastery of the creepy smile wowed all and Michael Humeniuk’s ability to GTL all at the same time was particularly impressive. But none was so beautiful, so simple, so utterly breathtaking, as Ben Crase’s naked leg maneuver. Girls wanted him. Guys wanted him. This was the beginning of a beautiful rush.
Apart from the odd Archie Comic and a brief Moontang education about World of Warcraft Edition 13 (and you thought it wasn’t a comic book, let alone one with a thirteenth 13!), I’ve never had any particular affinity with graphic novels. However, I was recently re-introduced to Emma Peele from ‘Avengers.’ Emma Peele’s embodiment of power and sexuality, and her status as a style icon, totally changed my perspective on the comic book theme. Such a theme provides a perfect dichotomy between serious and silly, along with freedom of interpretation of the term ‘Superhero’ – which always allows for great costumes. And great costumes there were! Notable outfits included the Powerpuff Girls, the Catwoman ladies, and first year Arun as Steve Jobs (too soon? iApprove).
The set-up in the Buttery was the best I have ever seen. An elevated catwalk, a DJ booth in the middle of the room and a flashy BANG sign made in traditional comic book font (‘not Comic Sans, thank God!’ exclaimed Alessia Belissario) made for an extraordinarily simple, but effective, party venue. Everyone was dressed up, and with the lighting and smoke machine accentuating the catwalk and DJ booth, the space was entirely transformed. Creative and simple solutions always prevail. Well done, Saints Crew!
The catwalk was used and abused with a perfectly executed Zoolander-esque walk-off right before midnight. Adding to the air of competition for the night, all kinds of characters strutted their stuff, culminating in a bloody fantastic choreographed routine by Daniel Bennett and his crew of Powerpuff Girls. We expected nothing less, but still jumped up and down with glee.
After a thorough panel discussion and crowd consultation, Daniel Bennett and Victoria Hoffman deservedly took home the prizes for best costumes. Our resident Trinity DJ Geoff Harricks provided the beats to strut to, spinning all night long. As soon as I heard a mix between Classixx’s Cold Act III and Thriller, I knew we would be in for yet another night of great music. Damn, we’re lucky!Finally, at twelve o’clock, men and women of college lined up on either side of the Quidditch Pitch, inebriated enough for the sprint to look less daunting than perhaps it should have. The Fresh Prince of Trinity College counted down, and rushers bolted, collided, elbowed, kicked, scratched and thrashed their way across the pitch to get to their partners. Happy couples laughed and hugged and everyone began planning their future dates, outfits and gifts immediately. Men, you’re in for a wild ride.
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