Hacky sacking is a new trend across the world, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School is no exception. Groups gather to try to keep the bag in the air by hitting it with only their feet. The goal: continue to pass it within the circle. 

Hacky sacking is not just a silly game for the youth to gather to play; it has a rich history. Mike Marshall showed John Stalberger a game he had learned from a Native American in his military wing. Stalberger went on to play the game, saying it felt like “hack a sack” because it stretched his damaged knee. Marshall went on to experiment with different bags, and by 1974, hacky sacks were being produced. 

Across social media, hacky sacking is a very controversial topic. Some people love to play with friends, while others strongly dislike the distraction. 

When students gather in the hall to play, it can become an annoyance. Students and staff often complain about these roadblocks in the hall. IBW freshman Caitlin McCue says, “There are hacky sack circles in the middle of the hallways that are in the way, and it can be kinda annoying, but I don’t mind it  because it is just people having fun.” Hacky sacking can bring people together as a community. 

Frank Matthews, IBW modern world history teacher, says, “It is a little annoying,” referring to hacky sacking in the hallways becoming a distraction. “In the halls, it’s not the best time.” 

He mentions how the game blocks the hallway, and what happens when people stumble across these groups. “They feel uncomfortable and a little scared, you don’t know what a teenage hacky sacker is gonna do with their body,” Matthews also talks about how it’s a fun game to bring people together. “It’s an interesting thing to come back,” referring to it being a popular trend in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hacky sacking is a great way to come together with your friends and community. This game has non-complicated rules and is a great way to relax. Hacky sacking is fun, but it has its time and place to be played.