Students at Quincy University put their racing skills to the test at a Mario Kart Game Night in the Willer Hall lobby. At the event, held on March 31, both people who were used to gaming and people who were completely new to the game showed up to compete for the top prize which was gift cards awarded to the night’s winners.

To win four people competed against each other across four maps. At the end of all four maps the winner would be the one who scored the most points. In addition, it was an average of the one who raced best over all four maps.

Throughout the evening, participants battled it out on the virtual tracks, navigating iconic courses while dodging banana peels and red shells.

The lobby was filled with people who showed up to cheer, compete, and get a good laugh as students strategized their way to victory.

The first student to win during the night was Marina Oberschmid. Oberschmid had been excited for the event all day.

“I was shaking so much during the race because I wanted to win so badly. My hands were shaking too the whole time, but I just kept trying to stay calm. My heart was beating so fast the closer I came to win,” Oberschmid said.

Oberschmid implied that she went up against well trained Mario Kart players.

“I was up against players who play Mario Kart for fun all the time, but this was actually my first time playing. I hoped to win the Mario Kart race but I did not expect it because it was a good competition,” Oberschmid said.

Eva Norris was also on the highest step of the virtual podium as she won her round against three other competitors.

“The competition was intense, but I joked about winning no matter what with my friends. It turned out that I won, so that was fun,” Norris said.

Norris made sure to be prepared for the competition.

“I was practicing Mario Kart before this event with my roommate but it was on WII so I did not know if I would win because of it being on Xbox,” Norris said.

Morgan Schrock who is an RA in the Willer Hall building also participated in the tournament. Shrock did not succeed as much as Oberschmid and Norris but was still happy.

“I am happy with second place, but I was really aiming for the win. Everyone really brought their A-game. Maybe next time, I will take the top spot,” Shrock said.

With the success of this game night, students are already looking forward to the next gaming event on campus. Until then, QU’s Mario Kart champions will be enjoying their well-earned rewards and reputation.