Grinnell College

Athletics, social activities, and organizations

The school's varsity sports teams are known as the Pioneers. They participate in eighteen intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division III level and in the Midwest Conference. In addition, Grinnell has several club sports teams that compete in non-varsity sports such as ultimate frisbee and rugby.

Related Topics:
NCAA - Midwest Conference - Ultimate frisbee - Rugby

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In February 2004, Grinnell became one of the first Division III schools to broadcast a a non-championship basketball game on national television when it faced off against the Beloit Buccaneers on ESPN 2, in which Grinnell lost 86 to 85. There has been much speculation as to why ESPN 2 would come to such a small liberal arts college (such as the NHL lockout at the time leaving large gaps in programing time), however the official reason is due to Grinnell's unique style of playing basketball, known simply as "The System."

Related Topics:
Beloit - NHL

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Ironically, in a fashion much like a hockey match, "The System" incorporates constant full-court press, continual running, hard rebounding, near constant three-point shots and repeated substitutions of entire squads. "The System" has received criticism as "bastardizing" the game and not teaching the principles of defense or the short shot. However, under "The System," Grinnell has won numerous championships over the last 5 years, as well as broken numerous NCAA individual and team scoring records.

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The Scarlet and Black is the campus newspaper and KDIC broadcasts college radio.

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Service organizations are popular. The Altbreak program takes students to pursue service initiatives during school holidays and Grinnell produces more Peace Corps volunteers per capita than any other college in the nation. The college also runs its own post-graduation service program known as "Grinnell Corps" in China, Namibia, Lesotho, Greece, and Nepal.

Related Topics:
Peace Corps - China - Namibia - Lesotho - Greece - Nepal

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Social activities tend to be informal and centered around campus, primarily drugs and alcohol, but several major campus-wide events take place each year. 10:10 is a "campus-unity" themed party that takes place on October 10th and features an all-campus "shot" at midnight. "Mary B. James," named for a South Campus dormitory, is a popular cross-dressers' ball. There is an annual "Disco" celebration and two formal "waltzes" are held each year.

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Grinnell College is one of several liberal arts colleges that have an active campus-wide blogosphere community. The system used at Grinnell is an unofficial service known as GrinnellPlans. Membership is limited to students, faculty, and alumni.

Related Topics:
Blogosphere - GrinnellPlans

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