Sep 05, 2008
For college students, childhood recess is no more. Gone are the games of tag and hide and seek, but one of these playground games is making a comeback at FIU: dodgeball.
Stride Gum and FIU's Recreation Center encourage students to "Grab Life by the Dodgeball" and participate in the first ever Stride Gum Dodgeball Tournament taking place on Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2008 at 6 p.m. FIU students and alumni, including members of the Rec Center, have the opportunity to compete in teams of six to win prizes totaling $1,000. Stride Gum will also be giving out free gum along with other giveaways during the event.
"Dodgeball is just a fun game. Unfortunately, after middle school, everyone pretty much stops playing it, so it's just a little reminder of my childhood. Nothing feels better than getting a solid hit on your opponent," said Senior Chris Leighton.
From a nationwide pool of 199 colleges and universities, FIU, along with 19 other schools, was chosen by Campus Entertainment, an organization that works to "move brands to the center stage of student life," as stated by the Campus Entertainment network Web site. FIU was chosen based on its reputation with intramural programs, enrollment and academics. Due to past dodgeball programs and the University's prospect to grow, Campus Entertainment saw a worthy candidate in FIU. Dodgeball has recently made a jump to the mainstream after it was featured in the 2004 feature film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller. Seeing the immense popularity and attention the movie received, dodgeball seemed like the obvious sport of choice for a tournament.
"Campus Entertainment and Stride jointly agreed that this sporting event would be the most popular, easily marketable and even preferred," said graduate assistant of intramural sports Rosie Porreca. "It's an event that typically isn't and, until recently, hasn't been offered to the college community in the campus rec setting, even though it is an event many have said they want to see more of. It's also a chance for everyone on campus to get involved."
Those interested in participating in the tournament are asked to submit their roster entries by Wednesday, Sep. 10 at 6 p.m. to the Recreation Center (RC 103) at University Park.
The tournament will consist of 20 groups competing for three cash prizes; the first place team will recieve $600, second place team $300 and third place $100. The tournament consists of open leagues, so men and women can play on the same team. It is also free to join, so eligible parties are urged to participate.
"I'm sure there will be truly hilarious moments and some jaw dropping ones," said Porreca."It all just depends on who comes out and what kinds of match-ups occur."
Senior Angie DuQuesne is exicted to participate with some friends from her nursing program.
"My favorite aspect about dodgeball is the teamwork and the good laughs we can have while playing," she said.