Normally, we see bubble gum being chewed by major league managers, such as Terry Francona during the American League playoffs. Francona was reported to have chewed 72 pieces of gum during a recent game versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

Here, at Ipswich High School, this habit has turned into an intense competition between each grade. In order to identify the winning class, judges examined the event very closely: they were looking to make sure that both participants from each grade did not use their hands and that they had blown an average size bubble.

Eric Jarmolowicz, an experienced Senior in this event, said, "I am really looking forward to competing against some of the other great bubble gum blowers in the school. I know that if Hannah Macklin and I stick to the game plan, we should be able to come out on top."

Although the Seniors were confident, they were not able to live up to their expectations. The Juniors were crowned the champions, with the Freshmen finishing second.

While talking to Josh Manchester, after he led his team to victory, he revealed with very few words: "I knew that Evan and I could do it. We were just focusing on blowing bubbles as fast as we could."



Even though the Juniors received first prize, the Freshmen were not disappointed with their performance.

Samantha Stanley, a freshmen participant, said: "I think myself and my teammate, Joe Baraiolo, did a fantastic job; considering the fact that we were expected to finish last in this event."

Besides the passion and intensity shown by the participants, many fans seemed to be interested, as well.

Hoon Kim, a faithful senior spectator, replied: "I am really excited to watch this event unfold. I think that it will be determined by which grade is the most competitive."

This event not only showed who could blow a piece of gum, but it revealed that these competitors will persevere through hardships to accomplish their athletic goals.

Who knows, maybe in a few years the Bubble Gum Relay will become part of the Olympic Games.