Since Lincoln reopened in 2019, the student body and staff have had to work to both re-ignite and create new student culture and traditions. The past 4 years have seen ASB, Spirit Committee, Exhibition Committees, and other student and staff groups make frequent attempts to build a unique environment that separates Lincoln from other schools in the city
One such attempt was the 2023 Lynx Olympics, where students dawned house-themed T-Shirts, competed in various games, and were allowed to enjoy a partial day off to earn house points. Lynx Olympics never picked up again for the end of the 2023-2024 school year, and now this year, ASB is bringing it back.
Lynx Olympics has a controversial place in Lincoln culture. Some people really enjoyed the game-day atmosphere, some people found it to be out of place and underwhelming, others were glad to have the day off but utilized it more as a skip day. For the majority of students, it seems as if Lynx Olympics has faded into obscurity.
When asked about his feelings on the 2023 Lynx Olympics, Isaac Preiner (‘25) told the Lincoln Log “I genuinely don’t have any opinions on Lynx Olympics. Oh, I guess the day off was nice.” Zach Tozour (‘25) added “What is that again? I… do not remember.” When asked if he remembers Lynx Olympics, Wenjia Huang (‘25) replied “Not really.” Several anonymous students told the Lincoln Log that they simply went home.
Only two grade levels who were around for Lynx Olympics remain at Lincoln, and many of them can’t even recall the event. It seems as though the original event is less than a footnote in Lincoln history; with finals coming in spring, and exhibitions ever-controversial, the Lincoln Log is investigating how ASB can make this year’s Olympics something to not only look forward to but remember.
The Lincoln Log asked students what would make them more likely to attend this year. Milly Bray (‘25) proposed “There should be an activity list, students can pick like their top 3 and sign up for those for the day.” Zach McNaul (25) said “I kinda like how it was, I think the gym and team sports games were really fun.” Reed Cole (26) simply replied that he wanted “Actual sports.”
One question for how to make Lynx Olympics more relevant this year is if Lynx Olympics should stay the same unmanaged free-for all, or if it should undergo a more rigid reworking. The Lincoln Log polled 46 students on their preferences. Overall 27/46 (or 58%) preferred to keep it how it was. Having a more house and team oriented focus was more favored among lower grade levels.
It’s important to note that the majority of interviewees ended up being seniors (30/46). Seniors in the survey were overwhelmingly in favor of not having to do anything during Lynx Olympics.
It seems like the student body this year is interested in a more engaging Lynx Olympics, including more actual sports and athletic activities. It’s not unanimous though, and some students seem to favor maintaining the loose structure of the original event. Multiple students who asked to remain anonymous explained how having the opportunity to skip if you want made the Olympics fun. One thing’s for sure though, ASB this year has their hands full if they want to dissuade that, and make Lynx Olympics great again.