Paola Quintero ‘29, representing De La Salle hall in the lead during the tricycle race at the First Year olympic event on Sept 14, 2025. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Off to the races: Paola Quintero ’29, representing De La Salle Hall, in the lead during the tricycle race at the First Year Olympic event on September 14, 2025. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

Ready, Set, Gael! It’s the 2025 First-Year Olympics

De La Salle Hall crowned champions of the annual first-year hall competition—one of many events funded by the student enhancement fee.

by Campus Recreation | September 19, 2025

Orange, yellow, blue…navy and maroon. The T-shirt you wear is the First Year Hall you represent in the First Year Olympics, and it forges a bond with the fellow first years who have worn the same color. Hall mates compete not only for rights to be the champion, they are representing all the first years who have lived in the same dorm for years prior—and will carry the torch in years to come.

This year, when points were tallied from the competitions on September 14, the winners of the First Year Olympics hailed from De La Salle Hall. But this traditional event at Saint Mary’s isn’t just about who wins the games. It’s about who shows up, it’s about who brings the hype, and who represents.

Sona Chilingarian ‘29, representing Assumption Hall, points to the benefits of competing together on the court, in the pool, on tricycles, and more. “I got to know the people in my hall a lot better!” she says. “The team environment was really healthy, and I think a lot of people felt included.”

“I got to know the people in my hall a lot better! The team environment was really healthy and I think a lot of people felt included.”
—Sona Chilingarian ’29, Assumption Hall

Rally Together: Assumption Hall waves their hall with pride while circled together in unity during the opening ceremonies of the First Year Olympics. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Rally Together: Assumption Hall waves their hall banner with pride while circled together in unity during the opening ceremonies of the First Year Olympics. / Photo by Rebecca Harper

The energy, pride, and spirit were evident throughout the day, as each hall strategically showcased its best competitor for the mini games. Aquinas Hall took the win for the Rubik’s Cube puzzle, while De La Salle Hall captured the circle mix-up and tower stack games.

It’s a Pattern: Marc Thomas Valdez ‘29 from Aquinas Hall completes the Rubik’s cube puzzle before his competitors during the First Year Olympics and shares that solving the puzzles is just a repetitive pattern. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — It’s a pattern: **Marc Thomas Valdez ’29** from Aquinas Hall, center, completes the Rubik’s Cube puzzle before his competitors during the First Year Olympics. His insight: Solving the puzzles is just a repetitive pattern. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

Mitty Hall took the victory in two rounds of the pencil grab, giant ring toss, and square puzzle relay, while Assumption Hall conquered the word puzzle and cardboard canoe race.

Puzzle Pizazz: Augustine Hall students work together to complete the square puzzle relay, but fell short to Mitty Hall during the First Year Olympic event at Saint Mary’s College. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — Puzzle Pizazz: Augustine Hall students work together to complete the square puzzle relay, but they fell short to Mitty Hall during this competition. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

The teams faced off in a lively round-robin tournament featuring volleyball and dodgeball matches, all held in the vibrant heart recreation activities on campus—the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. Augustine Hall kept up the energy and team spirit, while each hall brought their best to the court in a series of fast-paced, action-packed games. Liliana Canchola ’29 spoke for the crew from Aquinas: “I really enjoyed participating in this event. It really created a community and sense of belonging.”

“I really enjoyed participating in this event. It really created a community and sense of belonging.”
—Liliana Canchola ’29, Aquinas Hall

Bump, Set, Spike. Intense volleyball action during the match-up between Mitty Hall and De La Salle Hall. / Photo by Rebecca Harper — **Bump, Set, Spike**. Intense volleyball action during the match-up between Mitty Hall and De La Salle Hall. */ Photo by Rebecca Harper*

As the final games wrapped and the cheers echoed through the Alioto Recreation Center, one thing was clear: The First Year Olympics are more than just a competition. They’re a celebration of unity, tradition, and the unique spirit each hall brings to life at Saint Mary’s. Whether it was through a victorious round of dodgeball, a triumphant cardboard canoe race, or simply cheering on teammates from the sidelines, every first-year student played a part in building a community rooted in pride, connection, and belonging.