Augustine Christian Academy has never shied away from the titles of “unusual” or “different.” From its beginning, the school has clung to the goal of training students to be creative in using what they have available to them to overcome obstacles and achieve what they can imagine. The students have risen to that challenge repeatedly and with amazing results.

A few years ago, Lauren Post, a student at the school, was challenged to design a game that would incorporate elements of the Medieval traditions of the school, and would be a strongly active, enjoyable and challenging game to be played among the houses. She designed, “Grailball.” The game has been refined by students over the last couple years, and become extremely popular, sparking different versions of the game.

The game is played inside or out and involves two medieval towers placed just inside the north and south ends of the playing field. Opposing teams attempt to move the ball of play down the field in an attack on the other teams’ tower. If they successfully throw the ball through a window of the tower or into its grail on the top, without stepping into the moat that surrounds the tower, they score points. In some versions of the game, a guard is placed in the moat to try to deflect attempted shots on the goal. Moving the ball up and down the field is challenging as well. Players may only move when they do not have the ball, and must throw the ball from one teammate to another, giving opposing players the chance to intercept the ball and change the direction of play. Because the tower is set inside the playing field, players may go entirely around it to shoot into windows appearing at different heights on all sides. This makes for a fast-paced and exciting game.

Every great game has its humble beginnings. In 1891, when Dr. James Naismith decided to create an indoor game for students at a school for Christian workers, using two peach baskets for goals, there were people who scoffed at this simple game. It would, however, become “basketball,” one of America’s most popular sports. Just so, there were those who have scoffed at Grailball, but it continues to develop interest and enthusiasm here, and has caught the interest of others outside the school as well. One group of Lutheran churches, holding “Renformation” camps every summer, has begun playing the game with great results. Another classical school in Texas, was inspired by Grailball to create their own sport as well.

The school now offers indoor Grailball, outdoor Grailball, Men’s Grailball, Ladies’ Grailball, and plans are now under way for Junior Grailball for elementary students and a permanent outdoor Grailball field. ACA created Grailball for fun and exercise, but it’s monthly tournaments have become much more. They are reminders of the uniqueness of the school, and of the creativity that lies in each student.