Tournament of Laurels

MMXXIV

Overview

Houston Christian University

7502 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX 77074

See Campus Map

This national event invites classical language students to enjoy four days of competition and merriment which celebrate the classical languages of Latin and Greek, along with the widely diverse literature and civilizations they represent. This includes secular, sacred and ecclesiastical writings that extend from the classical period into the late antique and early medieval eras. The quest for the Tournament Cup will require individuals and teams to compete in events based on Latin and Greek including reading, oratory, poetry, the fine arts, olympics, et cetera. In addition, participants will have ample opportunity to join in non-competitive events that foster community.

Who? Students of Latin and Greek in grades 9 – 12
When? June 2024
Where? The 2024 tournament will take place at Houston Christian University. Future tournaments may be hosted at other university locations around the USA.

Events

Competitive Events – These events earn points towards the tournament cup. Each team may enter two contestants per level in each competitive event.

• Academic Contests (short multiple choice tests)
  • Grammar (Latin or Greek)
  • Etymology (Latin & Greek combined)
  • Quotations & Mottoes (Latin & Greek combined)
  • Literature (Epic Poetry)
  • Ancient History
  • Ancient Geography
  • Reading Comprehension (Latin or Greek)
• Oral Contests (students memorize and perform original Latin/Greek passages)
  • Orators (prose)
  • Bards (poetry)
• Fine Arts Contests (inspired by a published Latin or Greek work)
  • Graphic Arts (pencil, oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)
  • Music (vocal solo and small ensemble)
  • Theater (3-member teams)
• Olympika
  • Various track races
  • Field events: shot put/softball throw, discus/frisbee throw, running long jump, etc.

Non-Competitive Social Events – Designed as informal social events, these do not earn points towards the tournament cup.

• Movie Night Under the Stars – Big screen event on the lawn of Holcombe Mall (see HCU map).
• Mixed Certamen – Participants are mixed by lot to form teams of 4 for a certamen tournament, similar to the academic quiz bowl. Crazy good fun.
• Latin Scrabble Tournament – Latin only! Letters are weighted according to word/letter frequency in Latin literature.
• Recreational Games – Sand Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee
• Seminars – University faculty will offer engaging student seminars on various topics yet to be announced.
• Other events are in the works. Stay Tuned!

Participants and Teams

Participants and Teams
Each school or homeschool group will attend the convention as a team. Typically, 5 players are needed to form a single team. Teams can represent a school, a homeschool group, or a group of friends with a designated sponsor (see teachers and chaperones). If you need help finding a team to join, let us know!

Teams will participate within three brackets: minores (beginners), maiores (intermediate), and optimates (advanced). Students will only be scored against competitors within their own bracket. There will, therefore, be three tournament trophies awarded – one for each bracket.

Awards

Awards
Various events will ask you to compete as individuals or as teams. Team points are awarded for each event (1st place = 3 pts, 2nd place = 2pts., 3rd place = 1 pt.). The total accumulation of points by each team will determine the tournament champions, winners of the tournament cup.
Teams will participate within three brackets: minores (beginners), maiores (intermediate), and optimates (advanced). Students will only be scored against competitors within their own bracket. There will, therefore, be three tournament trophies awarded – one for each bracket.

Teachers, Chaperones, and Lodging

Teachers and Chaperones
Each team must have an official sponsor, preferably the Latin or Greek teacher. In addition, there should be supporting chaperones (in addition to the sponsor) for every 10 students. Thus, a small team of 5 might have a single sponsor. A team of 10 should have a sponsor + 1 chaperone. A team of 20 should have a sponsor + 2 chaperones.

Teachers and chaperones are needed for the running of various contests and events as well as the general oversight of their teams. Thus, at least one classical language teacher (of any level) is requested. Additional chaperones are not required to be teachers, but should be adults who are willing to serve and celebrate with us.

Campus Lodging
All participants will lodge in the campus dorms provided by HCU. More details on room and board are coming soon.

Registration Opens January 2024

Watch this site or subscribe below for updates as plans develop.