If you’ve walked through the courtyards lately, you probably noticed the circles of students clustered together laughing. Over the past few weeks, Hacky Sack, or “Sack,” has been taking over both WHS and social media. Across the school, groups of students can be seen playing or recording their rallies in a trend meant to promote peace and unity, according to players.

Hacky Sack itself is nothing new. Created in 1972 and popular during the ‘80s and ‘90s, Sack is a game in which rings of players keep a small ball in the air for as long as possible without using their hands.

Today, students are focusing on inventive ways to keep the sack in play. “There’s one move called The Jester where you swing your leg around the back, and you kick it up. People are also trying to land it on their backs,” said Sophomore Drew Walsh. “Nowadays, people care more about the creative side of the game rather than just keeping it up the longest.”

Some players take it even further, incorporating backflips, swinging players by their limbs and even log-rolling on top of each other with the sack in between them to keep it off the ground.

But this trend is about more than the trick shots. Walsh emphasized the communal aspect of the game. “Right now, I’m playing with a bunch of guys I’ve never even spoken to,” he said. “But we were able to bond over something as simple as kicking a little sack with beads in it.”

The new trend is meant to promote unity and peace, as emphasized by the viral hashtag #spreadsacknothate. Junior Jack Schwarzenbek echoed that sentiment. “It’s about spreading world peace,” he said. “And it’s all about inclusivity and just making people smile.”

However, the game has created some tension between students and staff, especially when students try to play indoors. Physical Education Teacher William Wertheimer said he confiscated a Hacky Sack during a testing period after warning students not to play. “If they’re playing and we’re trying to get in attendance spots [for class], and they’re busy kicking the Hacky Sack around, that’s when it gets a little disruptive,” he said.

“We’ve been given the go-ahead by the principals,” said Schwarzenbeck, noting that the game is permitted so long as it’s played at appropriate times and locations.

Students may play in the courtyards during Flex periods, lunch and even before and after sports practices.

Sack isn’t just building a community at WHS, though; it is growing across social media.

Instagram accounts like @njsack, an account with over 11,000 followers, rank schools each week, encouraging the spread of the game. The Instagram rankings use similar graphics to @bigstatesports, using AI to mimic weekly state lacrosse rankings. On @njsack, WHS was ranked third in rallies, as of May 1, with 67 hits.

This simple, retro game promotes creativity and inclusivity at WHS, and it will continue to grow in popularity nationwide, again.