At left, a civil discussion between both parties; at right, smokers and associates. (Sam Feldman)

While yesterday’s “rumble” at the C-Bench didn’t involve the much-hoped-for synchronized snapping face-offs or moody Leonard Bernstein music, it drew a sizable turnout and transformed the relaxed atmosphere of the C-Bench into one of palpably curious excitement. Students who usually don’t sit at the unofficial hipster hangout found themselves milling about within its acoustically perfect shape, and smokers who use the C-Bench for disaffected lounging took new pride in brandishing their cigarettes, drawing and puffing with distinct vigor.

Throughout most of the gathering, which started a 1pm and lasted a little under an hour, supporters of the C-Bench Initiative were outnumbered by smokers and their sympathizers. But Garrett Brinker, a fourth-year tennis player and member of the Order of the C, pointed out that the Initiative’s aim is to break down territorial boundaries, not create division or competition. “The male athletes and female athletes are not trying to be an exclusionary group by any means,” Brinker said. “[The Initiative] is our way to spread a positive message across campus.”

Bill Cheng, a fourth-year Track and Fielder, agreed, adding that the Order of the C hopes to create more of a campus presence for itself through the Initiative. According to Cheng, “The Order of the C is the oldest lettermen’s society in the world. Recently, we haven’t done much except for the end-of-the-year banquet, but we feel that we can do more for the campus community. This initiative will be a good way for us to start contributing to the entire student body.”

Judging by this afternoon’s turnout, the Initiative certainly succeeded in drawing a response from the campus, but perhaps one that was not as positive as Brinker and Cheng would have hoped. Hipster attitude at the “rumble” was predominately defiant, albeit with a humorous twist. “I don’t even smoke, but I kind of want a cigarette now,” said Kevin Popp, a second-year. Emmett Rensin, also a second-year and a self-proclaimed “smoker,” said only slightly facetiously, “If people want to exclude [smokers] from this bench, there’ll be blood.”

There were, though, students at the “rumble” who identified with both parties. Miles Hopgood, a cyclist, sat on the C-Bench smoking the only pipe in sight. A member of the women’s Ultimate team and a tennis player, both occasional smokers, showed up decked out in hipster finery, foiling anyone’s attempt to label them.