The URI Student Alumni Association hosted its 25th annual Oozeball tournament last Sunday, April 26th. Oozeball is an all-day volleyball tournament played in a field of foot-deep mud. It’s one of the largest and definitely the most most spirited event at URI. About 220 teams play, making this day a whole lot of fun!
This year’s Oozeball chair, Matt Sirois ’16, gave us a little low-down on Oozeball.
What made you want to be the Oozeball chair this year?
“When I got into SAA, it was one of the first committees I joined and one of the first SAA events I helped plan. My experience freshman year inspired me to plan it this year, and I loved the idea of being able to give back to the URI community.”
How long has Oozeball been a tradition at URI?
“Oozeball started at the university in 1990.”
What is the theme for Oozeball this year?
” ’25 years of Ooze’, which celebrates the last 25 years of Oozeball spirit at URI. In honor of the its anniversary, the t-shirts for this year had Rhody colors and a silver ribbon to commerate the 25th birthday.
How memorable is Oozeball as a URI tradtion?
“It is one of the biggest and most unique collegiate traditions. On average, there are more than 1,000 students that participate each year. It is one of the last events before seniors graduate and classes conclude. There were 224 teams this year meaning 1,500 students players — the largest Oozeball in its history!”
Besides the Oozeball itself, was there anything else going on for non-participants?
“This year, we added on Oozeville, which allows outside organizations to put on side events during Oozeball. It was open to specators, and the rest of the URI community. We definitely loved the campus’ support!”
Happy 25th, Oozeball!!