The dodge ball tournament January 10 was a success. With 11 teams participating and good sportsmanship all the way around, I would say it was a very enjoyable experience. Thanks should go out to the student refs, the team participants, the students cheering on the teams, and Kenny Gilkerson for helping organize. With a 5 game round robin, the top 8 records were placed in a tournament bracket and a winner was decided. As was obvious, the Killegenators tore through all opposition and registered their record undefeated taking home 1st place, annihilating the Wu Tang Clan in the finals.
The tournament took place in Brooklyn Junior’s north gym. The gym was split up into three courts for the round robin. Chairs were set up in-between each court for the spectators. After each team played their scheduled 5 games, the chairs were pushed to the outside and it became a full court game of dodge ball. The rules were simple, you hit someone they are out; you catch a ball the person throwing it is out and one of your teammates can come back into the game; and for the full court games you couldn’t pass the opposing teams blue line, while on the mini courts you couldn’t go past half. Unfortunately, the rule of getting someone out by hitting the dodge ball they are holding out of their hand was not enforced. The games were well regulated with at least 2 refs at each court.
Due to the basketball and hockey seasons being in full swing, many students weren’t able to play because of games scheduled on the same date. Which brings about the question, what are the chances of a spring tournament? As long as a “group” such as a class cabinet takes over setting it up there will be a tournament. Senior class cabinet was in charge of the fall tourney, and NHS took over the winter one. Maybe junior class cabinet or sophomore class cabinet could step up and set up a spring tourney for those eager to show their skills.
If another tourney rolls around, will the Killegenators remain undefeated yet again? Or will another team be brought together that has what it takes? If a spring tourney happens to roll around I’m sure there will be teams that will try.
-Alex Scharber