Following the Women’s Basketball team’s win over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Monday, students celebrated by setting fire to two unpainted campus benches in the middle of Main West Quadrangle. Despite a slow start, the benches eventually burnt amid chants of “Go to hell Carolina, go to hell!” into the traditional rivalry bonfire, something students hope will be repeated later this week.
The Chronicle asked students watching the bonfire their thoughts on the practice. —compiled by Toni Wei
“We weren’t sure at first if a lot of students were going to come, but there’s a lot more enthusiasm, and it’s my first time seeing it. Even though it’s taking a long time to get going, everyone’s enthusiastically cooperating.” —Liz Jones, sophomore, A-Team member
“We made that bench last semester, and we didn’t even get a chance to paint it. They could have burned something else, something older maybe.” —Yujin Chun, junior “I’m just excited because it’s my first [bonfire], although I didn’t go to the game.” —Jennifer Molnar, sophomore
“I think it’s really cool. I didn’t really know they did this, but I’m a huge basketball fan, and the first UNC win at Duke is awesome. It’ll probably pick up later once more time goes by.” —Kelsey Campolong, freshman
“It’s exciting. It’s fun to watch benches burn.” —Gabby Hope, junior
“I didn’t even know they burnt benches for women’s games, but I’m happy they are. Hopefully we’ll have a repeat on Wednesday. Gasoline would be nice too.” —John Bria, sophomore
“It’s great to have two really great basketball teams this year. I hope we’ll get to do this again, it’s a great way to close out senior year, with fun traditions.” —Kait Nagi, senior
“I’m just really glad we’re celebrating Mark Brunell’s Super Bowl victory and giving him the credit he deserves.” —Grady O’Brien, junior
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