Seniors watch like a Hawk, dash through obstacles to avoid getting splashed in the heat of competitive game that tests friendship, strategy
DRENCHED IN DISBELIEF | Senior Sadie Garcia turns around startled by her elimination by Sebastian Gonzalez before making a trip to the gas station on April 29. “We got back in the car and Sebastian was looking at my water gun and I heard something go off and I felt water on my shirt. I looked back and he was recording. I was mad because he used my water gun in my own car and we were friends,” Garcia said. Photo provided by Sebastian Gonzalez
For the first time in Hawk history, senior soakdown begins. Students raise their water guns and get ready for the traditional game typically played by high school seniors, called “senior assassin.”
While the game has been around for several years, it became popular in Hawk Nation this year. By establishing teams and finding ways to utilize strategies, students prepare for action in this off-campus competition.
The mission is to eliminate opponents with toy water guns. Once splashed, participants are taken out of the game. However, everyone has a chance to buy back into the game for $25.
Players utilize the “Splashin” app to track the location of both team mates’ and opponents’.
All players must keep their phone on at all times, and if the players can not abide by this rule, they will get disqualified.
“We get assigned a group to assassinate while also running from people that are trying to assassinate us. We use an app called Splashin to upload videos of when people get eliminated. And to see locations to catch your targets,” Cheyenne Best said.
Seniors keep an eye out to assure they are not surrounded by their sneaky opponents as they do their daily life activities such as getting a bite to eat at their favorite fast food place, browsing stores, and even having a picnic.
“I thought it was fun at first. I had a week break because I got eliminated by Caleb Morales, but then I got revived, so I am back in the game now,” Sebastian Gonzalez said.
As much as it seems like eliminations can happen anywhere, school property, churches, moving vehicles, and workplaces are off-limits. Eliminations will not be allowed on senior skip day or the day of prom. Immunity can be gained by wearing other pool accessories like floats, goggles, etc. If a player is caught off guard and gets soaked while wearing the items, they can not wear it for the rest of the round.
“You have to watch out for the team that has you. You’re allowed to wear a float [for] immunity, but once you get hit with the water gun, you can’t wear it for the rest of the round,” Kiyomi Escobar said.