The game of hacky sack is quickly sweeping the country. It is most commonly played on college campuses, but the fad has made its way to Ledyard High School where the Hacky Sack Club can be found hacking after school.

The club was created by senior Alex Houdeshell and is supervised by Kurt Jannke. Houdeshell got into hacking when her and her friends started playing last summer.

“For a while it was sort of a joke, then one morning meeting it just kind of happened,” Houdeshell said, regarding how the club got started.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, students of all grades and abilities meet to hack either in the gym or outside in the sun, and a good time is had by all.

“I like hacky sack because it’s a fun time,” sophomore Adam Crawford said.

The goal of the game is to keep the hacky sack up in the air for as long as possible. Players knock the hacky sack to other players using their feet, knees, and sometimes their heads. Groups compete to achieve a coveted “hack,” which is when every member of the group touches the hacky sack before it falls to the ground. It’s the perfect game for athletes who want to stay active in the off season, soccer players looking to show off their juggling skills, and students who just want to have fun and hang out with their friends.

“Hacky sack is great because I can stay after with a bunch of my friends and play a game that, in the long run, helps me train for soccer,” junior Peter Geoly said.

“My favorite part is how different people come together to make new friends and just chill and hack together,” said junior Cynthia Petersons.

The game is competitive, but the club retains a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

“It’s fun to just hack around,” said sophomore Cole DiRico.

“I think it’s been super successful because so many people have come and lots of people are into it just to have a good time,” Houdeshell said. “It looks like it’ll be here next year too.”

And as freshman Nina Obey put it, “What’s not to like? Who doesn’t love to hack?”

Rachel Kane, Staff Writer

Junior Rachel Kane is a staff writer for the 2016-2017 Colonel. Aside from playing varsity soccer and tennis, she is also the secretary of Tri-M and dances outside of school.