Students’ brains and brawn were tested at the second annual Fairfield University Grit N’ Wit on Saturday, April 22. The event was hosted by the Wounded Warrior Project along with the Inter-Residential Housing Association, Fairfield@Night and the Fairfield University Student Association.

The majority of the event was organized by the WWP.

“IRHA’s involvement with Grit N’ Wit was only to provide some financial assistance for the event,” said Area Coordinator of the Service for Justice Residential College Sonya Alexander.

According to Founder and President of the Fairfield chapter of WWP Stephen Dierks ‘18, the event was successful despite less attendance compared to last year.

“There were less people at the event than last year, which was primarily due to the rain. Townhouse Time Travel affected the attendance of juniors,” said Dierks.

Despite the decrease in attendance, the event raised over $5,000, a $1,000 increase in fundraising from last year.

The event is designed to test participants both physically and mentally with obstacles including mental puzzles, wall jumps and a net wall.

Sophomore Sarah Maxwell felt the intensity of the event in both the physical and mental challenges.

“The long stretch through the woods behind Gonzaga and Canisius was definitely the hardest part although I thought some of the mind challenges were harder than last year’s event,” said Maxwell.

The winning team consisted of Gerry Brogan ‘18, Josh Amrine ’18, Grant Amrine ‘18, George Halvatzis Jr. ‘18 and Julian Falcioni ‘19. They were awarded $250 Vineyard Vines gift cards and a gift card to Centro Ristorante & Bar.

The other prizes included a Fairfield University Bookstore gift basket, Soundrunner gift basket and various gift cards.

WWP member Heather DiLorenzo ‘18 discussed the success of the event compared to last year’s.
“We set a great foundation at last year’s event, which we actually won an award for at the leadership ceremony, and we had a lot of returners this year,” said DiLorenzo. “We had a lot more people talking about it, spreading the word, and encouraging their friends to sign up. Even though the weather wasn’t great we had an awesome turn out. It was another great success.”

Returning competitor Joyce Ramirez ‘19 described why she decided to support the event again.

“This is my second year doing Grit N’ Wit and I love it. Grit N’ Wit is a great way to build our community and give back to our soldiers, veterans and wounded warriors,” said Ramirez.

Maxwell agreed with Ramirez.

“I think it’s a great community event that allows us to challenge ourselves and others mentally and physically while also raising awareness and funds for such an important cause,” said Maxwell.

About The Author

-- Managing Editor Emeritus -- Digital Journalism & English Creative Writing

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.