For the first time Storm Stomp, the annual three-on-three basketball tournament, was held on a half day in an effort to raise participation and fundraising levels, according to Mary Feierabend, the Annual Fund and Gift Acceptance Coordinator and Storm Stomp coordinator.

“This year we got a half day for the event, which was a pretty big deal,” junior Storm Stomp committee member Margaret Schorgl said. “That way, we hoped to have more people come and participate in the event.”

Thirty-seven teams, all sporting themed costumes, participated in the competition. The Best Costume Award went to freshmen Camille Keane, Jordan Hermes, Maggie Keller and Katarina Qamar who each dressed up as different components of a bathtub. The Three Little Freshmen, who dressed up as pigs, won the tournament.

Other costume highlights included students as Mariachi Muchachas, The Ninjas, The Cat and Two hings, Ginger Snaps and The Sparkly Sisters. Faculty members dressed as The Denominators, The Susie Sions and Cowgirls with Mustaches.

“Storm Stomp was basically the best day of my life,” junior Moira Quinn said. “I got to dress up like a ginger snap and play basketball. Two of my favorite things.”

Storm Stomp may be characterized by silly costumes and raffle prizes, but its proceeds proved it is a valuable fundraiser. Junior Storm Stomp committee member Ali Campbell said that their goal was to raise $30,000 this year, and they reached it. Over $32,000 was raised for high school scholarships.

“Every year we try to raise more money to provide more scholarships for the high school girls,” Campbell said.

Storm Stomp’s monies have grown from providing one scholarship to five last year. And this year the tournament raised enough money for six.

Each committee member had to do their part and raise $1,500 by giving presentations and asking companies to sponsor the event, Feierabend said. Some of the sponsors this year were: the Klein family, the Reintjes family, the Tutera Family and the Westhead family.