Athletically inclined Gaels from across campus came out Nov. 21 for a rousing night of sportsmanship at the Edmund Rice Society’s annual “Ultimate Gael Challenge.”

The night began at 8 p.m. in the Hynes Athletic Center’s Mulcahy Gym, and continued until 11 p.m.

Though more than enough students showed up for the games to get off the ground, the gym was probably a good bit sparser than it would have been had the event not shared a time slot with Iona’s Residential Life and Gay Straight Alliance’s “No Shave November Concert for A Cause.”

Nonetheless, all in attendance seemed to enjoy the night’s activities.

Freshman Connor Galvin appreciated the chance to play in a “casual but competitive atmosphere” with his friends and peers.

Freshman Matthew Sullivan added that he thought the event was perfectly timed to allow students impatient for the coming Thanksgiving Break to “get a little of that energy out” so they could buckle down and finish off their last bit of work due before the vacation began.

Freshman Brandon O’Sullivan, in between bites of cheesecake, told us how he was more than happy “to play a few games and eat a bunch of free food.”

“[The Edmund Rice Society] holds this event every year to bring the community together and have a lot of fun,” said Felicia Colangelo, associate director of the Office of Student Success.

The event, being held as it is every year towards the end of November, complements the potential member meeting held in the same month, and allows prospective members to see what the club is all about and meet the veteran members.

The event, Colangelo went on, exemplifies the dedication to community and service that the society is all about.

When members of the Edmund Rice Society reach out to the community and give back, she added, they do so in Edmund Rice’s legacy and emulate him.

At its heart, Colangelo said the event was about having community and bringing people together.

After breaking a sweat on the court—and, of course, helping themselves to some free food—Gaels certainly seemed ready to get through their last few assignments before break, and, if the club members are right, feel more unified as a community.