LINNEA SWENSON | staff writer
Intramural dodgeball is expected to have its first five to six week season beginning next week on Tuesday, Mar. 10.
The idea to start an intramural dodgeball team originated from a core group of last year’s freshmen from Engstrom first east.
The residents would gather under the enthusiastic lead of their Resident Advisor Brandon Polley and battle other halls with the intention of building community through friendly competition.
Although the idea of an intramural dodgeball league was created last year, as a Facebook group, it lost momentum after only one team signed up.
This year, the office of Communiversity has decided to once again add dodgeball to the spring sport list.
“This year, it’s our job to get the word out,” senior business administration major and former Resident Advisor Brandon Polley said.
Polley has been working in the Office of Communiversity this past year as one of the co-directors of intramurals and is expecting a good turnout for the dodgeball season.
Due to some minor setbacks, the dodgeball season will be shortened to five to six weeks.
However, a full season is expected to resume next year.
“Everyone likes to play dodgeball. It brings you back to elementary school,” Polley said.
Polley took part in multiple dodgeball tournaments with his Engstrom residents last year and plans on serving as referee in the first season.
“It’s a lot of fun. Everyone likes to throw something as hard as they can and knock someone out,” Polley said.
Sophomore psychology major and current Resident Advisor for Trinity second South, Matt Okida recalls many fun dodgeball games with his Engstrom hall from freshman year.
Okida has even recruited his current Trinity residents to challenge other halls to a dodgeball tournament once a month.
“Even though you can be best friends with the guy across the line, as soon as you get on the dodgeball court, all is fair in war,” Okida said.
Okida plans on reuniting with his old friends from freshman year and assembling a team for the dodgeball season.
“Dodgeball is like reliving the elementary school P.E. glory days,” Okida said.
Freshman undeclared major Josh Coburn has been a part of Trinity second south’s regular dodgeball events and also intends on putting a team together for the new season.
“[I like] getting dressed up, having fun with the guys, going out there and just beating some guys with [dodgeballs],” Coburn said.
One reason for the popularity of the game is the simplicity of it all.
“It’s such a simple game. Anyone can play it and it’s fun. Fun and simple is good,” freshman athletic training major Kevin Kunde said.
The first season of dodgeball will have no gender requirements for the teams.
Dodgeball teams will consist of eight players on either side of the court with a roster maximum of 16.
All paperwork and rosters need to be completed and turned in by this Friday, March 6.
