What began as a competition between Iowa State and Nebraska during Veishea week in 1922 has evolved into 28 tournaments open to the general public. Registration for this year’s Veishea tournaments are already in full swing.

This year’s tournaments have something to offer everyone. Some of the tournaments included are electronic, such as X-Box Halo II, while others are Olympic sports, such as basketball and soccer.

“We look at trying not to target just the more athletic type of student at Iowa State,” said Lee Schoof, Veishea tournament co-chairman and sophomore in agricultural business. “We’re trying to bring a different crowd and get them more involved in Veishea and the excitement throughout the week.”

The tournament committee has added five new tournaments this year to help reach that goal.

“New this year is trap and skeet out at Isaak Walton,” said Brooke Sorensen, Veishea tournament co-chairwoman and senior in marketing. “We also have more electronic tournaments this year because last year our X-Box Halo and NCAA Football were huge, so this year we added Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero II.”

The other new tournaments are a rollerblade and skateboard tournament and a motorcycle show. Another change this year is to the Veishea Voyage Torch Run.

“We are doing Veishea Voyage this year, which in the past is that we run through various towns, but this year we are running two groups of people,” Sorensen said. “They start at the Minnesota and Missouri border and run the whole way to Ames with the torch, and then Bill Fennelly, the women’s basketball coach, will light the torch at the opening ceremonies.”

Although registration for most tournaments is allowed up to the last day and some even allow walk-ins, the public is encouraged to register soon.

Popular past events, such as glowball golf and flag football, are already filled.

“It’s encouraged to register early just so we can make brackets, and for the tournaments you get T-shirts, it ensures you are guaranteed a size,” Sorensen said.

Some of the tournaments, such as X-Box NCAA Football and Guitar Hero II are free, while other tournaments require a team and an entry fee, such as the laser tag tournament and slam dunk contest. Most of the fee goes toward the cost of holding the tournament.

“With certain events it will go toward the cost of tournaments, cost of T-shirts for winners and other tournaments that have T-shirts,” Schoof said. “Any excess money raised will essentially go towards the general Veishea fund and it will help pay for entertainment such as Mike Jones and Chris Cagle. It will help bring artists like that to Iowa State.”

Overall, the tournaments bring a positive aspect to Veishea and get people involved, Schoof said.

“I really feel that the tournaments have a good effect on Veishea,” he said. “It’s a good way for everyone to get out and have fun and enjoy the spring weather, and hopefully it will be spring weather by then.”

Those interested in the tournaments can find more information and register online at www.veishea.iastate.edu/tournaments.php.