May Term at Simpson is down and dirty this year as the Intramural Council hosts the second annual mud volleyball tournament.

“Last year was the first year for mud volleyball and it was very popular,” said Nicole Darling, director of intramurals. “We had seven teams last year and I’m pretty sure it will double because more people know about it now.”

The council tried to work this activity in the past, but due to funds and time, nothing was ever finalized for the tournament. “It’s a lot of work for one day,” said Darling. “Each year this tournament will improve.”

Senior Brett Martin is excited for the return of mud volleyball. “It was a lot of fun last year and I hope a lot of students participate this year,” he said.

The mud volleyball tournament will be held on the intramural field on May 4 at 12 p.m. and runs all afternoon.

The tournament is single elimination, best two out of three games, with regular sand volleyball rules in effect during play.

Teams are coed with four people playing at a time, two males and two females. Students can sign up beginning April 14 until the end of the month.

“The tournament is a lot of work but it’s worth it,” said Darling.

The intramural staff will make the courts on the IM field. They bring in dirt and plastic waterproof edges are placed around the court to keep the mud together. All morning long, the intramural staff waters, rakes and shovels the dirt to prepare the mud.

The mud volleyball tournament will be a big event. There will be music and food to go along with the tournament.

Pfieffer will be providing the food for the on-site grill out. The meal will include hamburger, brats, hotdogs, chips and a dessert. This is the only meal that is being provided that day for dinner, so it is another incentive to bring people out to the courts.

“Being as people will have to come here if they are planning to eat, it should draw an even larger crowd of spectators to the event,” said Darling. “It should be a lot of fun for students to watch.”

Not only will the council bring food to the event, but music will be played as well. “We hope to bring a PA system to the courts,” said Darling. “We haven’t had time to finalize things yet, but there will definantly be music of some sort throughout the afternoon.”

“This will be a fun activity and it will give people a chance to get outside,” said Darling. “I encourage everyone to come, if not to play, people can come eat and watch the tournament”