OKOBOJI, Iowa (KTIV) -- -
Mother Nature isn't exactly cooperating this year, but that didn't stop "students" at the University of Okoboji from holding the annual Winter Games.
The school may be fictional but the celebration is not.
"The University of Okoboji puts on a great show here," said Pete Wetzel, of Omaha, NE.
But before the show starts, athletes need to fuel up.
"It also has become a tradition for us to come and eat pancakes before we go out and start some of the activities of the day," said Dennis Ver Hey, of Sioux Falls, SD.
This annual event is special for Dennis Ver Hey and his family.
"My wife and I first met and got married about 32 years ago. So about the time the Winter Games started and we've been coming down here for many, many years," said Ver Hey.
Now his family comes to "school" with him.
"It's a fun place to go and get out during the winter time," said Ver Hey.
But this past year, warm weather kept most of the games off the ice.
"When it's on land here, it's unfortunate but it gets a little rougher. It's an equalizer, but it's still fun," said Wetzel.
Flag football was also played on turf instead of surf.
The softball teams found a safe spot on the lake to play.
Stephanie Ochoa came all the way from California to batter up.
"I'm having a great time. It's a huge difference compared to California I would say," said Stephanie Ochoa, of Orange County, CA.
"Playing softball here that's fun. It's a whole different concept," said Katie Bates, of Sioux City.
But no matter where on campus the games were held, the "students" say they enjoyed the winter games.
"Just going to soak it all up and just hang out," said Bates.
"I think it's a great civic event," said Ver Hey.
"The comrade, the teams you play. We just went into overtime. We won a really tough game but you know it's the spirit of Okoboji Games. We do it for the University," said Wetzel.
The Winter Games wrap up Sunday afternoon.
