On Saturday, May 2nd, Macalester will host the fourth annual Al Storm Games. The games feature a variety of competitions, and competitors who went through a very difficult application process. I was lucky enough to sit down with two members of the Al Storm Games Selection and Planning Committee, Jordan Black ’16 and Trey Muraoka ’16, and the games’ creator, Al Storm ’15 himself. We talked about the upcoming competition, made a few predictions and looked back on the history of this incredible event.

TMW: What’s your favorite part of the Al Storm Games?

Jordan Black: I really love the hype surrounding the games. The fact that people are filling out brackets, placing bets, really getting excited about these events is an amazing concept to me.

Al Storm: I love the moments that you don’t see coming, but mostly, I live for punishments. I cant wait to see someone get slapped in the face with a fish.

TMW: A whole fish? Is that a real punishment?

AS: Yeah baby. There’s an Asian fish market on University Ave, and for three dollars you can get a whole tilapia. It’s not even cleaned, it still has the organs and everything. When somebody gets that to the face, its gonna be bad news, and I’m going to love it.

TMW: Wow. So who’s your favorite to win it all?

Trey Muraoka: Bradley Cox, no question. It’s Brad’s year to shine. I’m cheering for Jole, but it’s gonna be Brad.

JB: I think the person that comes out of the play-in round is going to make a run. I really think it’s going to be Tre Nowaczynski. He’s got the gifts, he’s got them all. He’s just so gifted.

AS: I have to take Forest. He has a ton of all the x-factors. He’s definitely tenacious, one of the more tenacious beings I’ve ever seen. He has all the skills, and he wants it right in the heart.

TMW: Who’s your dark horse competitor?

TM: Rob Tomecek. Robby T is flying under the radar. I think he’s got the killer instinct.

JB: I don’t know this kid well, but I think Large Dan (Dan Klonowski) has a shot to shock the world.

AS: Nobody ever talks about Christian Adams. So, to be the first, I’m gonna say Christian Adams. Somebody has to talk about him, right?

TMW: What three qualities would your ultimate Al Storm Games champion possess?

TM: Insanity, creativity and good looks! Can’t forget good looks!

JB: Athleticism if first, then its gotta be Al Storminess, frankly. You need to be able to think like him. There are only two things that matter.

AS: First is general griminess. You can’t be afraid to get real jiggy with it; you must be willing to get a little dirty. Then there’s pure determination, wanting it more than everyone else. Paul Schubring was out of the competition six or seven times, but through pure determination alone came back to win two championships. Then, of course, you’ve gotta be able to think on your feet.

TMW: Al, this is your last year hosting the games you created. Talk a little about your journey.

AS: Let’s just say it’s been quite the journey. I started these when I was a freshman and there were a total of six people there. It was something I created in under ten minutes. I went to my room and grabbed a horseshoe, an ace bandage, a bottle of white out, a spoon, some cards, some dice, some tiger balm, an electrical cord and I created some games. Somehow they were fun, and you got punished if you lost. The only competitors were Paul Schubring and Jole, and for the final competition I just threw a horseshoe into a dark field and told them to go find it. Somehow, we made it fun for 45 minutes. Needless to say that was special, and needless to say we’ve come a really long way. I plan on going out with a bang this year.

Al Storm Games: 7:00 p.m. Saturday | Kagin Lawn