The Banner

California Baptist University men had a chance to become Prince Charming during CBU's first annual Woo Week.

In the past, CBU has typically only had Woo Fest, in which only a handful of guys performed at the end of the week.

Residence Life held Woo Week Feb. 22-26. The week featured many activities devoted to the wooing of women.

RA Jay Stovall was the mastermind behind the event, stating that it was his vision to have a whole week devoted to the chivalry of men.

"Girls would always complain that there was just TWIRP week," Stovall said. "There was nothing creative that guys could be a part of."

So, with the efforts of Stovall, Residence Life, the Campus Activities Board and ASCBU, Woo Week was born.

Every night had a different activity. Monday was Couples Bowling, Tuesday was Take Her Out to the Ball Game, and Wednesday was 70s Roller Skating. Thursday was the ultra-creative Create-A-Date, and Friday featured Woo Fest.

Stovall said that because his team was able to plan ahead, they were able to hold the event in the gym, whereas last year's Woo Fest was held in the Alumni Dining Commons due to last-minute approval.

"I didn't really know who to ask to go to the events, so I just went with my friends," Aaron Scott, a CBU senior, said. "I did do Create-A-Date with a friend of mine."

His rapping group, known as Penny Candy, performed at Woo Fest for the second time this year.

"It was a lot more organized than last year, and it was a lot of fun, lots of pressure but it was fun getting everyone together to perform," Scott said.

This was the first week-long event, other than fall semester's TWIRP week, to encourage communication and relationship growth between the men and women on campus.

"I hope it continues and will become a tradition here at CBU," Stovall said. "It was a lot of work, but it was all worth it in the end."

Stovall was not only behind the scenes of Woo Week, but he also took part in many of the ac- tivities, including Woo Fest. He acted as one of the hosts of the event, and also performed along with the rest of the UP Men Resident Assistants.

And as for the Ring-By-Spring tradition at CBU, Stovall has his own opinion on how Woo Week might have helped the men at school.

"This definitely helped guys step up and get out the ring," he said.

Stovall's vision turned to success, as evidenced by the 700 people in attendance at the ending Woo Fest activity and the multitude of happy couples everywhere.

"Ah, Woo Week. You can almost feel the drama," student Mitchell Burris said. "Hearts broken, promises made and relationships started. It's a beautiful thing."