When Timothy Vitollo found out he won a drawing that would send him to a national rock, paper, scissors tournament, he first thought it was a scam.

But Vitollo, a second-year law student, soon learned it was legitimate — complete with a trip to New York.

"I didn't even remember entering my name in the drawing," Vitollo said. "It's just rock, paper, scissors. I figured I'll just shoot my luck. So if I get eliminated early, I'll just enjoy my time around New York City."

Thursday through Saturday, Vitollo will have the chance to compete at The National Collegiate Rock Paper Scissors Tournament at Madison Square Garden.

He will spend four days and three nights in New York with his fiancee, Tara Edwards.

"I've been to New York City," Edwards said. "I was really surprised, because you don't really win sweepstakes. I was kind of skeptical at first."

Edwards also is listed as the alternate competitor for the tournament.

"The competition will be a lot of fun, but the vacation is going to be a blast, too," Edwards said.

Vitollo was chosen through a drawing at The College Store, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road, in February.

Students played the game to win back an extra $5 on their books after fall semester.

"I think it's fun," said Cathy Stone, general manager of The College Store. "Kids need a break. First of all, they can earn some nice cash, and it comes at a time when they need a break from the craziness of studying. We did it during (the fall book buyback period). We played rock, paper, scissors to win back more money."

Last year, the tournament was held on South Beach in Miami, and 180 students competed for the grand prize of $5,000. Regine Duau from the University of Texas took home the title and the prize.

The College Store sent communication senior Ryan McAward as its representative in last year's competition.

McAward was eliminated from the competition in the first round, with about half the other contestants. The winner of that competition went on to the international game competition in Canada.

"Over half of the people got out in the first round," McAward said, adding that the tournament was played in a boxing ring.

"We played probably five or six people, and it was best of three.

"Honestly, it was probably the coolest thing that happened to me last year," McAward added. "It was something else that nobody else got to experience."