A new trend is sweeping the Hackley Campus, and it’s called hacky sacking. Hacky sacking, which first emerged in 1972, and was first invented by Mike Marshall and John Stalberger in Oregon City, Oregon. Hacky sacks, which are also called “footbags” were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, have made a sudden resurgence with a Gen Z audience. 

Hacky sacking, which some would describe as “nostalgic”, is a casual game which allows one to interact casually with others, and is a way of making friends and providing low-stakes social interaction. Additionally, hacky sacks are highly portable and easy to transport and play with. Unlike other games, hacky sack circles require only one component (and a group of friends) to play. 

At Hackley, it is likely that if you are walking through Akin Common during breaks or at lunch, you will spot the occasional discarded hacky sack, or a collection of people making their own hacky sack circle. Especially now that spring has begun and the weather has become more suitable for being outside, people are eager to exert their energies into this fun pastime. 

As freshman Ben Sichel-Outcalt said, “It is an easy way to relieve stress and have fun.” Hacky sacking allows students to take their minds off their schoolwork, if only for a brief moment.