Simon Says, 'Go to Peden Stadium Sept. 15!'
By Brigitta Burks, Staff Writer
September 1, 2007 | 1:38 a.m.
The Athens High School men's basketball team will hold what it hopes to be the world's largest Simon Says game at 1 p.m. at Peden Stadium on Sept. 15. The team's goal is not only to raise money for their organization, but also to capture a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and give back to the community.
The cost of entry is $5, which includes a t-shirt -- something of which every student needs more -- for the first 1,250 players. There will be other surprise prizes, as well.
Varsity Coach Paul McNeal said on the Athens High School men's basketball Web site that the team came up with the game as a "fun way to have community/university involvement, as well as assisting the program in the purchasing of necessary equipment/items for the upcoming seasons.”
"Simon Says" will also be the biggest fundraiser that the team has attempted since raffling a car.
While it is definitely possible, being part of the Guinness Book of World Records could prove a more difficult task than the raffle. According to the Guinness World Records Web site, “no other enterprise collects, confirms, accredits and presents world record data with the same investment in comprehensiveness and authenticity.”
The Guinness Book of World Records features everything from the world’s tallest man (Robert Pershing Wadlow, 8 ft. 11 in.) to the world’s oldest male stripper (66-year-old Bernie Barker). Athens High School may soon join the ranks of Wadlow and Barker.
To start the game-planning process, McNeal signed a contract with Guinness. While there is currently no official Guinness representative set to be in attendance, McNeal said the mayor and government officials will serve as witnesses. Photos and video footage will serve as further proof of the very possible record breaking. Documentation will then be sent to Guinness.
What if the record is not broken?
“We will look to see if we want to try it again or perhaps look to another record to break,” McNeal said. “But we will break it -- think positive.”
The current "Simon Says" record stands at 1,169 participants. The team's goal is 1,400 players. If the record is broken, there will not be one “master” of Simon Says, but several winners. Any player standing after 10 minutes will be deemed a "winner," but the game will last for approximately an hour.
The team is looking for support from fraternities, sororities and other campus organizations to make its bid for the record. No organization has committed to the event as of present, but McNeal remains hopeful.
“We would love to get OU involved,” McNeal said.
McNeal explained that participation in the event can be counted toward community service and is a chance to be part of a world record event.
Sponsors and parents of the players are playing a large part in the game, as well. Sponsors include Hocking Valley Bank, Oak Hill Bank, Progressive Insurance and the Elks Lodge, as well as the popular late night eateries Wendy’s and Sonic Drive-in, according to the Athens Chamber of Commerce. McNeal and his team express their gratitude to the businesses and parents involved.
The players themselves are advertising with fliers and posters, and they will help judge the game. McNeal is currently serving as the host, although unknown Athens area radio personalities will be present, as well.
"Simon Says" is set to benefit more than just the men's basketball team. Extra tickets for prizes will be given to those who bring canned food for part of a drive.
“Too many extra-curricular activities ask and ask and ask without trying to give back in return," McNeal said. "We want to give back."
The team has already helped Habitat for Humanity and is in the process of planning future ways to aid the community.
Whether or not Simon tells you, come to Peden Stadium Sept. 15 to support the food drive and the Athens High School men's basketball program. To participate further in the event, contact Coach McNeal at coachmcneal@hotmail.com.
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