The Tutoring Center offered a chance to show off their skills with words in the fourth annual Scrabble Day competition on Oct. 30.
Tutoring Center Instructional Lab technician Antonio Huantes and IDS faculty member Ray Hernandez gave students a friendly yet competitive environment for Scrabble day. Competitors were split into groups at four tables, including one table for students to play in Spanish. After students were grouped Huantes and Hernandez spelled out the rules for students.
“Because this is an educational institution and we want you to learn new words, you get one crack at the dictionary per turn,” said Hernandez.
The competition comprised of three stages for the 12 competitors. The first round was 30 minutes followed be a 40 minute round and the 45 minute final round. At the end of each round scores of the participants were tallied in order to regroup them for the next stage.
While there were only 12 contestants this year according, to Huantes, last year there were 40.
“Last year we did Scrabble Day in the middle of the week. I think that’s why more people were able to make it,” Huantes said.
Scrabble day was still a success. Rounds one and two were filled with laughter and socializing amongst competitors.
Ben Anderson, a 20-year-old Ventura College student said, ” It’s very casual and a good way to socialize.”
As the four finalists moved on things became much quieter and focused. Competitors held their heads searching for words to form from the seven letters sitting on their racks. Finalist Teresa Rapp, and 18-year-old Chemistry major, expressed her sentiments jokingly during the final round.
“My brain is getting tired from all of the words,” Rapp said.
However, the pressure was not too much for Anderson. He moved through the final round to become the Scrabble Day champion.
Each finalist was given a Ventura College keychain and a pair of headphones provided by Tutoring Center Supervisor Sandy Hajas. Anderson won the $40 first place prize provided by ASVC Senator Raymond Morua.
Anderson had only positive things to say about the overall experience of Scrabble Day.
“This was great,” said Anderson. “I think the school should do more game days like this.”
