After a splashy two weeks, 33 water assassins teams have been eliminated out of the original 43. These groups of seniors have strapped up, battled and staked out, all in order to advance through these rounds.
“Since the beginning of the game my team has really started to learn how the game works,” senior Enzo Crivello from the Sea Monkeys said. “We are discovering how to play under the guidance of the rules as well as how to use them to our advantage.”
When the game first started, elimination plans were messy and unorganized. Teams struggled to locate their targets and video footage was often sub-par.
“The game was difficult the first round because no one really knew what they were doing,” the student game coordinator said. “Now it’s gotten a lot better.”
After the starting round, ten teams were eliminated, leaving 33 hungry competitors. The competitive nature of the game has led to many arguments with the game’s coordinator about the validity of eliminations. With poor video footage most of the time, the game coordinator has had to make some controversial decisions regarding eliminations.
“I think every single team has complained to me at some point in the game,” the game coordinator said. “It’s hard to make these decisions without having clear proof, and when there’s none, I just have to make my best judgment and prepare for the backlash.“
While some students are engaging in alliances and deceiving their friends, others think this takes away from the game’s appeal.
“When the game first started it was a lot of fun, but it’s gotten to the point where it’s too serious now,” senior Claire Broberg said. “People are making alliances and then backstabbing each other, causing problems throughout the senior class.”
Senior Water Assassins is an exciting activity for seniors to bring their class together before the end of their high school careers, and the event coordinator wants them to remember that.
“I just wish people didn’t take it so seriously, as at the end of the day, it is just supposed to be a fun game,” the game coordinator said.
The district has continued to express its concerns about safety through emails sent out by Oak Park High School Principal Matt Mcclanahan. While students are having fun playing these games it is highly important that they follow all game rules to keep themselves and others safe.
This game is entirely student-run and is in no way endorsed or affiliated with Oak Park Unified School District. Participation in this game is strictly prohibited on school campuses, to and from school-sponsored events, and at the events themselves. Any students who violate this policy will face disciplinary action.
