To other college students, the colors red and green may bring words like stop or go to mind, maybe even some thoughts of Christmas. However, at Longwood, these colors take on a whole new meaning. Color Wars is a battle between the veterans and the “noobs,” as Communication Studies professor, Jeff Halliday, called the red team of freshmen and juniors while introducing the event on Oct. 3 to kick off the Oktoberfest weekend.
Approaching Iler Field, a sea of white awaited students; blank human canvases waiting to have cups of paint thrown at them. As it got closer to four p.m., some of the white was ruined a little preemptively as people decorated themselves with their class’ colors. The atmosphere buzzed on both sides, the energy on the field building. Some relief came in the form of laughter once Halliday began announcing the rules.
Repeatedly, he warned the crowd not to pick up the trash cans of paint to dump on people. His reasoning was simple. “Do not pick up the trash cans because, guess what, the game will be over and you will look like a jerk,” he said. Halliday added, “That is something someone from Liberty University would do.” The energy sparked up again as the two sides cheered on their representatives in the pre-war mini games: Over-Under, Tug of War and the Pumpkin Game.
Helping to rally, freshman George Johnson was the mascot for the red side, dressed as the Red Dread. His position really enhanced his first Color Wars experience as he enjoyed making people cheer and “getting everyone hype.” Johnson ran around from group to group wearing long fake dreads, a red shirt and red shorts, reading “Caution: contents are hot.” Although he felt like he stood out in his uniform, he felt it was worth it to keep everyone pumped. Johnson said the atmosphere was “fun filled, exciting and energetic” throughout the pre- war and the actual war. As soon as Halliday commenced the battle, students took their pre-filled cups of green, red or blue paint and charged the other side.
The differences in personalities really showed as some charged with the speed of a penguin, trying not to spill the precious paint, while others sprinted full force, not caring how much paint leapt out before they reached their opponents.
Also seen on the battlefield, was a range of weaponry. Some opted to bring their own cup substitutes such as halved water bottles, waste baskets, paint buckets and a few other creative options. The techniques in paint throwing varied as well. Some preferred to have a specific target, while others preferred the ‘toss-paint-bombs-in-the-air-and-see-where-it-lands’ method, and others just enjoyed pouring paint on themselves, all valid in their own right.
After a few minutes of quick attacks, the paint from the trashcans dwindled and the mobs surrounding them dispersed. Finally, people stopped to check the damage. The paint stuck to clothes and body parts alike, red staining the skin of some students. Many selfies and group pictures were taken prior to people leaving Iler—avoiding the sidewalks—and returning to prepare for the other Oktoberfest activities, like Battle of the Bands, which occurred afterwards. Sophomore Jonathan Majin described Color Wars as “one of the great traditions we have at Longwood.”
The ground of Iler field held the last remnants of the red and green fight to the death until the rain later that night quickly removed it. Despite the rain’s quick disposal of the physical evidence of fun had that afternoon, it can only wash away the paint, not the memories.
