This year, the Southerners brought back their 4th annual Oozefest. The Southerners are a group of South students who serve as student ambassadors in collaboration with the National Alumni Association. These events are organized to raise funds, get the word out, and prepare students for the official Oozeball Tournament, a day-long volleyball competition that is played in the mud. Oozeball will be hosted next semester on April 20, 2024. While the events of Oozefest have only been going on for 4 years, Oozeball has been a South staple for almost 34 years. The proceeds from Oozefest and Oozeball are being raised to go towards funds for the Spotting Excellence Scholarship.

“[Oozefest] is kind of the precursor to Oozeball. This is just a little way to raise more money for the Student Scholarships and get hyped for Oozeball,” said Southerner Hayden Matheson.

The first Oozefest event was hosted on October 18, called “Safari Sweet Treats.” Set up right between the MacQueen Alumni Center and the Student Center, the Southerners handed out delicious treats like a mix of pudding and Oreo crumbs topped with gummy worms and chocolate covered animal crackers for a savory and sweet post-lunch dessert.

The second Oozefest event was held on October 19; “Safari Petting Zoo.” Outside the MacQueen Alumni Center, the Jags were greeted by our furry friends. The USA Southerners partnered with Save A Stray, an adopting and foster based animal rescue organization, to further their theme of a safari. Students on campus were able to play, walk, and cuddle with these fluffy companions and learn about the world of adoption and fostering. 

“We always do the big mud volleyball tournament, which is Oozeball, held in the spring, but this year we’re doing a big indoor volleyball tournament as part of Oozefest to raise the money to put on Oozeball. That’s why we’re doing the tabling, the treats, and the puppies -so that we can raise awareness about it,” said Southerner Neil Chaudhary.

The final day of Oozefest was held on October 21; “Volleyball.” Held in the Rec Center, for the first time, the USA Southerners gathered 25 teams to compete in an indoor volleyball tournament. This tournament is the small predecessor for the upcoming, big Oozeball game. Some participants of the Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Club turned up the heat and joined forces, coming out on top in the single-elimination tournament.

To learn more information about Oozeball in the spring, follow @usasoutherners on Instagram for updates, or email the Southerners Advisor, mbrannan@southalabama.edu.