On July 31, the much-anticipated JILA Cup challenge unfolded on the physics lawn outside the JILA tower, showcasing the spirited rivalry between the Sun group and the Lehnert group. This competition, a high-energy spikeball tournament, saw four games played simultaneously until one team reached 15 points. In a nail-biting finish, the Lehnert group emerged victorious, edging out the Sun group with a final score of 15 to 12.

The coveted JILA Cup, a unique metal trophy fashioned from various machining components, has a special tradition of its own. The cup is filled with candy and adorned with brass rings around its neck, each ring commemorating a past challenge. The latest victory by the Lehnert group ensures that this spikeball tournament will be the next ring added to the cup’s storied history.

The JILA Cup, a time-honored tradition within JILA, allows one research group to challenge another in any chosen activity. This year’s choice of spike ball brought out the competitive spirit, with both teams putting forward their best athletes. Despite the Sun group's valiant efforts, including enlisting JILA staff member J.R. Raith to bolster their ranks, the Lehnert group, boasting a greater number of pairs, ultimately secured the win.

JILA and NIST Fellow and University of Colorado Boulder Physics Professor Konrad Lehnert and JIL Associate Fellow and University of Colorado Boulder Assistant Professor of Physics Shuo Sun faced off twice during the tournament, adding to the excitement and intensity of the event. The matches were fiercely contested, with each team displaying remarkable skill and teamwork.

As the dust settles on this year’s competition, the Lehnert group basks in their hard-earned triumph, but the challenge is far from over. The JILA Cup remains a symbol of friendly rivalry and camaraderie, ready to be contested again by the next daring group aiming for glory.

Written by Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, JILA Science Communicator