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Halls abuzz at Mission: Impossible 2011

By Jessie Bazan, Comm '14

The ladies of Cobeen Hall once again won Marquette's annual city-wide scavenger hunt.

On a normal Friday night at Marquette, it doesn't make much of a difference where you live. No one bats an eye at a Schroeder Hall resident watching a movie in Straz or makes a fuss over a group of O'Donnell guys chilling in Cobeen. But this past Friday, Sept. 9, all amiability was suspended when the 10 residence halls and university apartments were pitted against each other in the Residence Hall Association's annual Mission: Impossible scavenger hunt. Dressed in dorm-coordinated colors, groups of students could be spotted racing all around downtown Milwaukee, searching local businesses and landmarks for answers.

The Alumni Memorial Union began buzzing shortly after 7:30 p.m., when the halls arrived for registration. Residents of Carpenter Tower huddled together outside before storming into the AMU while Straz's contingent broke into a rousing rendition of Journey's Don't Stop Believing. The place was rocking with a pep-rally-type atmosphere until 8:15 p.m., when participants dashed off to scavenge the city.

"We had to rally ourselves together to have a chance at winning Mission: Impossible," explains Carpenter resident assistant Patrick Zito, Eng '14, who led his hall in cheers. "Hopefully my rallying them up helped the residents have a great time and enjoy the experience even more."

The low-down on the competition is as follows:

• Each hall breaks into teams of four or more.

• Each team gets a pack of 60 questions, with topics ranging from "What is the name of the church at Cathedral Square?" to "How many pillars are holding up the roof of the gazebo at Père Marquette Park?"

• The team's designated "texter" texts in the answers as they are uncovered around the city. Each correct answer earns the team's hall 10 to 50 points, depending on the difficulty of the question.

• Participants may only travel by foot or on public transportation. No cars allowed.

• Everyone must return to the AMU headquarters by 11 p.m. The hall with the most points is declared the winner and receives $200 for future programs.

For the second consecutive year, the ladies of Cobeen were crowned champions in a close win over second-place Abbotsford. The AMU cafeteria became a blur of pink as the winners exchanged high-fives and erupted in shrieks and shrills.

"As a dorm, we all had the mindset that we were going to win since Cobeen has a tradition of winning Mission: Impossible," says resident Dana McLain, Nurs '15. "I know that we all felt accomplished and proud of ourselves that we kept the Cobeen reputation alive, and we're all closer as a dorm now because of it."

Overall, Mission: Impossible 2011 was a huge success, according to RHA Vice President of Campus Relations Ben Fate, Arts '14. "It ran as smoothly as we could've hoped, and everyone who participated seemed to have a great time exploring Milwaukee," Fate says.

Test your Milwaukee trivia

Pop quiz: How well do you know the city? Test your memory with 10 sample questions from Marquette's Mission: Impossible scavenger hunt.

1.    When former president Bill Clinton came to visit, this is where he ate. At 1900 W. Clybourn St., whose diner will you find? What colors are on the sign?

2.    Designed by a famous Spanish architect, this building looks like it might fly away.

3.    What music hot spot is next door to a cigar and tobacco shop?

4.    Vintage clothes and a fun time, this street is the place to go if you want to have a cool time in Milwaukee. If you are craving a taste of Italy while there, where should you go?

5.    Want to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show? This East side landmark holds the world record for most consecutive showings.

6.    This burger joint is the winner of the "Food Wars" challenge. This is the place to go if you want to throw peanut shells on the floor.

7.    My bright red sign lights up Water Street and draws guests in for fresh produce, seafood, flowers and many other vendors. What am I?

8.    You've never ridden a chili pepper? Go to 734 S. 5th St. to have a gander at this sight and get your fill of Mexican cuisine.

9.    I am home to the Carillion and was built by H.C. Koch. What Marquette building am I?

10.    What is the name of the church at Cathedral Square?