Lee University

« Back to Recent News

Lee University Crowns Dorm Wars Champions

by Meredith Dufresne

Cleveland, TN (10/28/2026) — On Monday, Oct. 19, Lee University hosted its 33rd annual Dorm Wars competition. More than 700 students, staff, faculty, and supporters packed the Paul Dana Walker Arena to watch the Bowdle-O'Bannon Hall men's team and the Keeble-Dirksen and Sharp Davis halls women's team claim the 2026 championships.

The highly anticipated tradition brings together Lee's residential students in the spirit of friendly competition, with a focus on giving back to the community. Each team competes to raise awareness for local charitable organizations chosen by their residence halls.

Teams kicked off the event with choreographed dances showcasing their themes, complete with props and costumes. These spirited introductions engaged the crowd and judges before the competition began with its signature fast-paced shopping cart race, followed by a bubble bash, where students in bubble soccer suits battled to knock opponents off balance. The event concluded with the traditional obstacle course, which required competitors to leap over a four-foot wall.

Second place went to the New Hughes and Medlin halls men's team and the Cross-Tharp-Simmons and Livingston halls women's team.

According to Assistant Director of Residential Life Chris Montgomery, the women's competition was especially close, with the first-place team winning by just 10 points. The second- and third-place teams tied for second, with the showmanship of Cross-Tharp-Simmons and Livingston helping secure their second-place finish.

As part of the event's charitable mission, each of the winning teams has selected a local nonprofit that will receive volunteer support and scheduled service days from their respective residence halls throughout the academic year, sponsored by Lee. The men's winning team will support Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Bradley County and the women's winning team will support Ocoee Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"The lasting impact of this event is not in trophies or medals, but the bonds forged along the way," said Montgomery. "Students from all over campus showcased their skills and giftings to uplift their dorm communities. That is what Dorm Wars is all about."

To watch the livestream of Dorm Wars 2026, visit leeu.live.

For more information, contact Montgomery at cmontgomery@leeuniversity.edu.

Media Attachments

Members of the Bowdle-O’Bannon Hall men’s team celebrate their 2026 Dorm Wars championship with the winning trophy on Oct. 19.

The Keeble-Dirksen and Sharp Davis halls women’s team takes home the championship trophy at Lee’s 33rd annual Dorm Wars competition.

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out