As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air signals the arrival of fall, Eastmoor University gears up for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the Great Pumpkin Throw. This annual tradition, now in its 45th year, brings students, faculty, and alumni together for a fun-filled day of pumpkin chucking, laughter, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Held on the university’s sprawling central lawn, the Pumpkin Throw is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Eastmoor’s vibrant community spirit. Each fall, students and faculty team up to see who can launch a pumpkin the farthest using everything from homemade catapults to ingeniously designed slingshots. With the campus cloaked in fall colors, the event perfectly captures the magic of the season.
A Smash Hit of a Tradition
What began as a quirky campus experiment back in the 1970s has since grown into one of Eastmoor’s most cherished traditions. Originally started by the engineering department as a fun way to test students’ creativity, the Pumpkin Throw has evolved into a full-campus spectacle. Now, participants from every corner of the university try their hand at launching the humble orange gourd.
“The Great Pumpkin Throw is a chance for everyone to have some fun and let off some steam mid-semester,” says Dr. Simone Caldwell, president of Eastmoor University. “It’s pumpkin to be a smashing good time every year, and this fall was no exception!”
Pumpkins, Physics, and Plenty of Fun
On the surface, the Pumpkin Throw may seem like just another silly campus tradition, but there’s actually quite a bit of science involved. Teams spend weeks designing and building their launching devices, carefully calculating angles, velocities, and the force needed to launch their pumpkins to victory. Some teams opt for classic trebuchets, while others get more creative with pulley systems, air-powered cannons, or even bicycle-powered catapults.
Of course, the event isn’t just for the physics buffs. In recent years, it has drawn in students from all disciplines, including art and design students who’ve turned pumpkin-launching into an aesthetic affair, with intricately painted and carved gourds flying through the air.
“We have teams from all majors participating,” says senior Leah Thompson, who is studying biology and has been a part of the Pumpkin Throw for the past three years. “It’s a great way to meet people, de-stress, and honestly, just have a gourd time. Plus, there’s nothing quite like seeing a pumpkin soar through the sky!”
All’s Fair in Love and Pumpkins
The competition is divided into several categories, including longest distance, most accurate throw, and the ever-popular “best splat” for the most spectacular pumpkin crash landing. There’s even a separate award for “most creative launcher,” where teams are judged on the originality and design of their devices.
As the pumpkins soar through the sky, the crowd erupts in cheers, groans, and laughter, especially when a particularly rogue gourd ends up splattering at an unexpected angle.
This year, the winning team managed to hurl their pumpkin a whopping 200 feet, setting a new campus record. Their secret? A catapult made entirely out of recycled materials, proving that ingenuity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
“It’s not just about winning,” says junior Marcus Chen, a mechanical engineering major. “It’s about having fun with your friends and creating something together. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing a pumpkin explode in midair?”
Gourds Galore and Fall Festivities
The Great Pumpkin Throw is just one part of Eastmoor’s fall festivities. Leading up to the big event, the campus hosts a variety of autumnal activities, from hayrides to pumpkin carving contests. The whole week is affectionately known as “Pumpkin Palooza,” and it’s a favorite among students who want to embrace the season’s festive vibes.
Even after the last pumpkin has been thrown and the winners crowned, the spirit of the Great Pumpkin Throw lingers on campus, with students already planning for next year’s event. For Eastmoor, it’s a fall tradition that’s here to stay, year after year, gourd after gourd.
Dr. Caldwell sums it up best: “At Eastmoor, we believe in working hard and having fun. And the Great Pumpkin Throw is proof that we’re able to do both. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the fall season—no matter how you slice it, it’s a tradition that’s squash-tacular!”
With pumpkins flying and laughter filling the air, Eastmoor’s Great Pumpkin Throw continues to be an event that carves out a special place in the hearts of everyone on campus.
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