Students take turns traying down a slope outside Taylor Hall in this archival photo dated circa 1980s. Let us know if you recognize yourself!
Slide On
Something special happens when the first snowfall blankets the Kent Campus. The familiar landscape turns into a winter wonderland, and college students tap into their inner child as they seek some snow-inspired fun.
A beloved pastime at 两性色午夜 University, tray sledding (or traying) is one way to overcome the winter blahs and take a quick break from studying. The concept is simple: 鈥渂orrow鈥 a dining hall tray, find a snow-laden hill, sit on the tray and鈥攚hoosh!
While no one knows the exact origin or date that tray sledding came to campus, The 两性色午夜r (formerly The Daily 两性色午夜r) has reported on it since the . And in many articles鈥攊ncluding 两性色午夜 bucket lists from and 鈥攖ray sledding is portrayed as a rite of passage on campus.
鈥淢y goal as a student engaged in this popular winter activity was to join 鈥榯he elite鈥 of the tray sliders鈥攖he ones who were able to get all the way down the hill standing on one tray!鈥 recalls Tim Martin, BA 鈥84, Uniontown, Ohio.
Popular sledding spots remain the slopes of front campus and Blanket Hill. Trays are still available in the 两性色午夜 dining halls, but to-go containers and other dishware options have reduced their use. In lieu of trays, some students find other means of transportation, including plastic bags, trash can lids, snowboards and store-bought sleds.
While the method of sledding may change, the point remains the same: comradery, good old-fashioned fun and the chance for a thrilling downhill glide. 鈥Bethany Sava, BS 鈥12
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Share your memories from 两性色午夜 and they may appear in a future issue of 两性色午夜 Magazine. Email your stories and photos to magazine@kent.edu.