IF THE UNI hallways seemed a little less crowded this afternoon, that was because most of the seniors had departed for their three-day class trip to the Wisconsin Dells.

They left Uni shortly after lunch today. The seniors will stay in condos, about 12 students per suite, where they will cook their own food, hang out, play cards, watch DVDs, and — if past trips are any guide — enjoy a little hot tubbing.

Besides just relaxing, the seniors will have a chance to ski and visit a waterpark. They will return on Monday; there is no school that day due to parent-teacher conferences. The trip was organized by senior parents and students, with parents serving as chaperones.

One senior, however, will be leaving late for the trip: Chumar Williams is competing tonight in the IHSA Three-Point Showdown. He has reached the Class 2A sectional finals. He will compete against seven other sharpshooters at Casey-Westfield High School.

If he finishes among the top four, he will advance to the state prelims next week at the Class 1A and 2A state tournament in Peoria. Junior Jessi Sullivan made it to the state prelims for the girls on Feb. 21. When Williams is finished tonight, chaperone Karl Radnitzer, father of senior Isaac Radnitzer, will drive him to the Dells.

March 1 update: Chumar Williams' journey to state ended Friday night when four other players claimed the qualifying spots for the state prelims.

MORE PHOTOS: SENIORS LEAVE FOR THEIR CLASS TRIP

NOTE: Click any photo to create your own slideshow — then keep clicking.

The bus awaits. Gargoyle photos (click to enlarge)

Kimberle Pillow (left) and Shara Esbenshade wait to get on board.

Karen Woodley.

Marika Iyer.

Jamie Weiser hands over her bags as Chelsea Freeland looks on.

Jie Han is ready for the elements.

Han and Linda Song make their way toward the bus.

Zoë Schein is well supplied for the long ride.

Lucy Zhang.

Song has sustenance aplenty for herself and Han (left).

Song and Kumars Salehi (left).

The guys load up.

Isaac Radnitzer starts removing gear to put in storage.

Mike Renner's turn.

Ammar Rizwan snacks while waiting to put away his bags.

Austin Rundus gets ready to stow his gear as Renner and Radnitzer wait.