The inaugural Battle of the Bruins student-athlete talent show brought dancing, singing, and a variety show atmosphere to the Curb Event Center Tuesday night.
The event, where every team produced an act for the show, was for a cause. All of the money raised Tuesday night went to Nashville Special Olympics.
“The whole point of life is giving back, serving the community I think that its important that we teach students and the athletes that it’s important to give back,” said Michael Graffin, assistant director of athletic operations.
A skit-happy baseball team won the contest judged by Melinda Doolittle, members of Diamond Rio, a former Miss Tennessee and NFL and former local wide receiver Golden Tate. The baseball had routines ranging from a jousting tournament and Shake Weight ad to a reenactment of the opening scene from “The Lion King,” complete with money noises and a toddler.
Their complete act was so remarkable, said Doolittle, whoever wrote the skit could make it as a comedy writer.
Dancing teams were also common sight throughout. The women’s basketball, men’s soccer and all of the track, cross country, tennis and golf teams jived to everything from “Footloose” and “Can’t Touch This” to “Party Rock Anthem” and “Country Girl.”
Additional acts included the women’s soccer team doing a synchronized swimming performance to “My Heart Will Go On,” a Mario Kart battle from the men’s basketball team, and an acoustic set by Lexi Adams and Amy Van Buren of the volleyball team.
The Music City Miracle Choir and the Overton High dance team and cheerleaders also participated in the event.
The show wrapped with emcee and Special Olympic athlete Jimmy Clark’s rendition of “I Can Only Imagine,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd. Other Special Olympics athletes also participated throughout the night.
-Derrick Harding