I didn't intend to start here as a sportswriter, that beat's already cov- ered, but there's a game sweeping the lounge at the Cass Science lounge. Once chess and video games ruled recreation time, but recently a revolu- tion gently nudged by yours truly has taken centre stage. Where at one time a small band of zealous hackey sack enthusiasts played under suspicious eye and furrowed brow, now open games break out at the slightest men- tion of the h-word.

I must admit that I've helped this footbag juggernaut. My red devil, sewn at the top and bottom for struc- tural integrity, is always handy in my backpack. I've been taking the game to the Wave and around town, but nowhere else is it growing to propor- tions that suggest powerful hypnotism like the Cass lounge. Look into the hack...yes, you want to kick it up.

The rookies have proven to be of high caliber, some with amazing natu- ral talent and style.

Spectators are turning into players left and right. The spirit of hack is after all, one of brotherhood and other half-forgotten maxims of hippiedom. There's no tie-dye shirts, a deficit of dreadlocks and passing a doob around the circle is considered inappropriate (at least indoors); but otherwise good vibes are the spirit of the game.

The rookies have proven to be- of high caliber, some with amazing ~ natural talent and style. Joey Drane in particular is like that 12 year old kid on your block that builds a huge skate- board ramp in the summer and does 900 degree inverted corkscrew mcflips into.his pool, complete with perfectly timed fireworks and a hardcore backup band - his first time. If this was a com- Petitive sport, I'd shatter his golden foot Tonya Harding style.

’ Since so many people are hop- Ping on the bandwagon, a few handy hints of hack may be in order. Perhaps with a bit of luck we can have large Circles of people juggling hackey sacks

Cass Hack By Will PATE

all over campus. Hey, you can say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

Unless you want to spend your days tracking me or someone else with a hack all over campus, I suggest pur- chasing your own. Island Beach Company (I'll take that money under the table, thank you) sells fine hack products although you may have to do a bit of home economics to make sure it lasts you a few semesters. Having your own to practice solo in your room along with some Daft Punk will make you a better player for that day you venture into the circle. Besides, the

“more hacks kicking around the higher

the statistical chance that you or your pals will have one when the fancy to "break out the hack" strikes you. There's few feelings more depressing than having a group of decent players and nothing to kick around - diehard players have even resorted to using a dining hall fork left in the gazebo. Pennies, quarters and

The patterens make it go good.

nickels are all possibilities, but do yourself a favour and drop the four bones and get your own.

The "rules" of hack are simple and easy. For starters, the self serve is not kosher. Toss it up to someone else if you're the poor sap having to pick the wayward hack off the floor, win- dow sill or top of the pop machine (extra points for placing it in the change return). Trust me, you'll only feel like a loser if you dare the self serve and fudge it up. The same princi- ple goes for juggling, it's dandy fine to take that hack to town, but if you don't share it soon your circle mates may lose interest and turn back to studying or socializing - gasp.

As far as style goes, it's all about individuality. Top and sides of

the foot are all good, I'm-a fan of the -~

knee and still others prefer the always dangerous head. It doesn't matter if you look like a chicken a particularly bad case of Tourette's - at most it would only provide a quiet humour to

other players in your circle, reminding them of their own uncoordinated beginnings. Stylistic serves are great, but go for personal expression instead of being a copy cat.

The spirit of hack is after all, one of brotherhood and other half-forgotten

maxims of hippiedom.

If you find yourself kicking and flailing your legs about in a small area, be sure to stay conscious of those around you. We're talking about a peaceful sport here, so causing head injury or full-out casualties of hack should be a considered a no-no. Walls, doors, desks and the occasional teach- ing assistant are perfectly ok to give the boot once in a while.

That being said, all you really need is a friendly disposition. So why don't you bring yours along and jump in the next hack circle you see. Won't you join?

STUDENTS

Imagine...

only having to read your textbooks ONCE to get it!

IT IS POSSIBLE!

Call us today. 892-9645 www.spellread.com

Success!

Confederation Court Mall

Pie SY =)

[11]