Samson’s Legacy: Beardvember
A man of unequaled strength, Samson fought and killed many Philistines singlehandly, becoming one of the strongest fighters in the world. Unable to beat him fairly, the Philistines approached the woman he loved, Delilah. After initially refusing she eventually informed them that Sampson’s hair was the secret to his powerful strength. When Delilah called the servant to shave Samson’s glorious locks, he lost his power. The moral of the story is obvious-hair is strength.
As November, also known to some Beardvember, brings cold weather and end of term crunch time, a few brave SPS men have begun to grow out their winter coats of hair.
Dickey '11
Dan Diaz, last year’s winner of best all around beard and co-head of the event this year, described it as “possibly the toughest event held throughout the year.” The race begins the first day of November as and lasts until Thanksgiving. Will Schoder, fellow co-head with Dan and last year’s winner of best peach fuzz, described the event as “haggardly old looking and unattrac-tive men, peach fuzz of the face, itchiness beyond comprehension, and a great tradition full of competition and camaraderie.” He proudly explained that Paulies also need to “ get ready for the Mustachio Bashio this Spring–Look back at our Presidents and their pictures, it’s clear that staches bring power.”
It is an event full of sacrifice and change as competitors are forced to alter their morning routines, skipping the shaving and adding the combing. Itchiness is also part of the contract. Mike Consalvo was seen one day bursting out in the middle of class “SO ITCHY!” while pro-ceeding to scratch at the mane on his face.
Dickey '11
As the competition continues into its latter weeks, a sense of aging and hierarchy can be seen – experienced faculty members flaunt their masterful creations while young guns try and hide their patchy stubble. “Beardvember? I’ve been working on this baby for 17 years” said Evan Leonard, a spectator of the competition.
It’s certainly not a competition for everyone, requiring the proper genetics and manliness. Everyone can grow out long hair, but to overcome the hump and fly away from the pack, one must achieve the proper facial growth. So while it may seem like a faux-pas in most communi-ties, and when going home parents may berate what they thought to be their kids but have now become men, the members of SPS will strive to keep the long standing tradition of Beardvember alive, just like Sampson.
> Home
Loading ...