Brotherhood Event: Broomball

Broomball has been a long-standing tradition of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, an event held in high regard by every brother. No matter how strong, fast, slow, tall, short we are; this sport is accomplishable for all. Broomball takes place solely on an arena of ice, usually at Pelham Civic Center. Once a place for ice skating, this arena has now become a pit of indescribable glory. Teams line up to beat, no; demolish the other team in hopes of coming out on the top of the scoreboard. Brothers enter the arena with shoes, a helmet, and a heart of courage. A ball is placed in the middle of the arena while brothers use hockey sticks to score against the opponent in order to obtain victory and everlasting fame. Chaplain John Porterfield says, “There’s a lot of brooms and balls, and brothers just get to have fun”. This sport is truly unique, for there is nothing quite like it. Broomball is a time for brothers to let off steam, to forget the struggles of school, social life, and life in general. They leave it all behind as they step onto the ice with the confidence of returning to the real world satisfied, knowing they have made good use of their energy. Senior brother Russell Briley commented that, “It has nothing to do with athletics, but it is all about heart and passion”. Broomball exists for the purpose of binding men together in brotherhood against a common enemy, in order that we learn to lean on each other and trust each other with our lives. One may see this event as childish, but it is the opposite. Broomball consists of men who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to bond with brothers and take a leap of faith. This sport is not easy; it is a rough, challenging game that requires the strongest of wills. But where there is a will, there is a way. Ultimately, it all comes down to perseverance and finding the courage to step on the ice and win the game. Broomball will be forever held as one of Alpha Tau Omega’s most beautiful traditions and will always resonate in the hearts of the brothers that bring it alive.