Racy issue

Case race tradition can be enjoyed if participants are responsible

Every year a fun tradition comes to Happy Valley. The All-American Rathskeller's annual case race starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Unless you have been in a cave for your years at the University, the case race is an annual tradition in its 17th year. The Rathskeller, 108 S. Pugh St., attempts to break its own record of the number of Rolling Rock pony cases (7-ounce bottles) sold in one day. Students often wait in line Friday night in the cold for a chance to down their case with friends or alone in the bar. Part of this year's proceeds will go to the AIDS Project and a local adoption service.

"Drinking an entire case of pony bottles is similar in amount to two 40-ounce bottles of beer."

Drinking an entire case of pony bottles is similar in amount to two 40-ounce bottles of beer. For one person this is excessive and dangerous alcohol consumption, but for two, three or four people it becomes a fun tradition with friends.

The tradition came under fire from University President Graham Spanier last year. In a letter to All-American Rathskeller owner Duke Gastiger, Spanier asked for the event to be called off because it encouraged binge drinking.

But the bar has taken measures to protect its patrons from injury.

The bar provides pizza at 25 cents a slice for case racers, Gastiger said. They also have hot dogs, potato chips and pretzels for patrons. The food is provided to make sure patrons don't get sick.

Staff members also keep an eye out for people who may not be doing so well and encourage them to leave, making room for new people to beat the record and help charities.

The annual case race is a great tradition that helps organizations in need.

Binge drinking could be a part of the tradition, but only if participants are careless. Too many alternatives exist so that binge drinking is not a factor. Prove to President Spanier that you can have fun and help a charity at the same time, and remember to drink responsibly.