Tug-of-war, a three-legged race and a pie-eating contest aren't official NCAA sporting events, but Montclair State athletes recently traded in their bats, lacrosse sticks and other usual playing equipment for a different kind of competitionÑthe TALON Olympics.

The TALON (Teaching Athletes Leadership Opportunities Now) Club, a leadership council for student-athletes, held its first Olympics on April 25, and they're hoping it becomes an annual event.

"The Olympics was a tremendous success involving almost all our teams in a unified event," said Tara Rienecker, academic adviser for Athletics and mentor to the TALON Club. Before the athletes began dunking their faces in pies and tying their legs together, 122 student-athletes were honored with Academic Achievement Awards. "These students excelled in the classroom and on the playing field by achieving a grade point average of 3.0 or better," Rienecker said.

After the honors were distributed, it was time to get down to business. Teams were comprised of athletes from all the sports. "Among the laughter, fierce competition and awkward races, the athletes managed to get to know one another on a different level," Rienecker said. "Through it all they worked on team cohesion, trust and confidence in one another. Some new friendships were made as well."

The TALON Olympics was one of several initiatives to create support and unity among the teams. Throughout the year, TALON members, who are student leaders from each of the 24 athletic teams, volunteer in the community, participate in outreach projects and promote greater visibility of the athletic teams on the campus and in surrounding communities.

"TALON members believe that fostering pride in the athletic teams begins with them," Rienecker said.