Of all the goofy traditions college sports has to offer, one of the most gratifying to watch is the toilet paper game at John Brown University. No one really knows how long the tradition has been around, but most place it around 25 years. The rules are pretty simple.
1. Wear whatever you want. Since the first men’s basketball home game is always around Halloween, costumes are common. If you’re still not sure what to wear, just cover yourself in blue and yellow paint, but do wear something.
2. Bring a roll of toilet paper. 1 ply, 2 ply, quilted, eco-friendly, sandpaper, whatever. Let’s not take the rolls from the public restrooms people, you’re just hurting yourselves here.
3. When the Golden Eagles score the first point in the game, throw toilet paper and scream like a banshee. Use a little restraint here and make sure they actually make the basket. You don’t want to be that guy who shot prematurely. Talk about a reputation buster.
Although this is a technical foul, JBU didn’t have too much to worry about as they out worked Hillsdale Freewill Baptist 65-48 this year. Hillsdale has been JBU’s home game opener for the past 6 seasons and enjoys being part of the tradition.
Abel Galliguez landed a three-pointer 34 seconds into the game to start the rain of TP.
“It’s a privilege and honor, I think, to make that shot,” said Galliguez. “I’ve been struggling lately with confidence issues with my shot. I came out thinking that if given the chance and an open look, I would take it.”
“What a great way to start my senior year, giving fans the opportunity to throw the toilet paper.”
I can hardly think of a prouder moment.