Great Race Q&A With Jonathan Sheaffer
Photo Courtesy of The King’s College
Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the traditional King’s College event, “The Great Race”, is functioning differently this year. EST’s Campus Editor, Mattie Townson, interviewed the Director of Student Development, Jonathan Sheaffer, to clear up any confusion. Here’s what she learned:
How will the Great Race differ from previous years?
“This year, there are four roadblock teams and four strategy teams per house. The roadblock teams basically function as running teams. We are splitting the running team up into four teams and they have a specific assigned location at Central Park, Prospect Park, Battery Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. They will start and end the race in that location. Last year, only strategy teams could use computers and wifi. This year, everyone can use phones for absolutely everything.”
How has King’s been adjusting competitions like these to adjust to COVID-19 restrictions?
“We are working on figuring that out. We don’t have solid plans for any of the competitions yet. We have reached out to House Presidents to get recommendations for certain formats involving social distancing. We ask them if they have any ideas for new formats. Once the Great Race is over, we will definitely put more thought into that direction.”
What will Roadblock Teams look like?
“There are two portions: one mental roadblock and then when they are not working on a roadblock, they can earn a time-credit to advance their team’s time which will be physical and mental. Throughout the course of the race, they could be in any area of their park. The roadblock teams will have a specific time that they focus on their roadblock and the rest of the time they can advance their extra time credit. Teams must finish their portion of the race on their own, some portions of the race may specifically say that they request help from different teams.”
How will Strategy teams operate?
“The four strategy teams, for social distancing purposes, will help solve one riddle for one piece of the race. The groups are small enough to social distance — you could do it with your roommates and not invite anyone else in. As long as you have wifi, you can be wherever. They have a specific time they have to work. They will have some downtime throughout the course of the race.”
How will this advance the community-building goal that is often desired during this competition every year despite being socially distanced?
“My hope is that just doing the Great Race will help continue King’s tradition. Even if you’re not experiencing it together, afterward there is so much room for camaraderie. It’s my hope that houses will get together and celebrate the end of the race in some fashion. Hopefully, things like that continue and build community in the school as well. The teams are much smaller this year and it’s my hope that there will be meaningful bonding because they have more time together.”
How can more upperclassmen/remote students get involved?
“There’s no explicit rule for how many upperclassmen have to participate. That’s new this year. We don’t have maximums or minimums on any of the teams. Any upperclassmen who want to participate can participate. There is no rule of how many on which teams. I know we have a lot of remote students, and there is no rule against a remote house member being a part of the team.”
There is a virtual Great Race Town Hall tomorrow, Thursday September 17, from 12-1:20 p.m. via Zoom technology.