Dartmouth Students Compete in 'Collar-Off'

By J. Lawrence Scholer | Friday, March 1, 2002

As athletes from across the globe competed in the Salt Lake Olympics, two Dartmouth students engaged in an equally intense competition. Ryan Gorsche '04, LifeStyles Editor of the Review, and Chris Moore '02, editor of the Dartmouth Contemporary, vied to see who could wear the most collars in Dartmouth's first known 'Collar-off.'

Both athletes in this competition for sartorial preeminence began conservatively, wearing a modest two to three collars apiece. Tension mounted, and students watched attentively to see who would make the first move. And they were not disappointed. On day two, Gorsche stunned the Dartmouth community with six collars, employing the back-and-forth method, alternating polos and Oxfords with one another. Gorsche, the more vocal and aggressive of the two, said of his bold move, 'I am like a florist, and my collars are my bouquet.' Controversy ensued, however, when collar judges clashed over a possible seventh collar. Gorsche wore a hooded overcoat, and judges had not considered the distinction between hoods and collars prior to the competition. A close vote determined that the hood did not count, and Gorsche threatened to leave the competition and also skip the next Collar-Off in 2004.

'Gorsche has the sensibilities of an artist and the neck of an ox,' said one spectator.

Many experts and collar pundits wondered if Moore, the more ethereal athlete, would fold after such a bold move by Gorsche. Gorsche had set an intense, dangerous pace and issued a bold challenge. Moore, however, stunned everyone. Moore matched the six collar effort by Gorsche, but also pulled off a more understated look. 'I saw Chris and thought he was wearing three or four collars,' said one spectator. 'But then I looked closer and saw that there were six. I don't care what anyone says—he's been doing this for a while.'

After the fast start, the Collar-Off became more subdued as Gorsche fell ill. Moore graciously granted him a hiatus. The momentum momentarily shifted to Moore, but, with Gorsche currently at full strength, the race has once again pulled even.
For their own safety, neither Moore nor Gorsche were allowed to contact each other during the Collar-Off. An incident was narrowly averted when the two met at a street corner and exchanged bitter looks. Only a 'Walk' signal prevented matters from escalating.

The Collar-Off looks to kick-off once again as the Winter term comes to an end. The continuing competition between Gorsche and Moore should be as riveting as the inaugural match, as both men have washed their shirts and starched liberally.

Dartmouth Students Compete in 'Collar-Off'

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