Dodgeball fever strikes intramural scene

Author: Matt Kunzweiler

For some, its creation has presented yet another opportunity for intramural glory. For a select few, it has been an excuse to break out mid-thigh region P.E. shorts, and for others, a chance to reenact that empowering scene from "Billy Madison." Regardless of the calling, gym class all-stars from across campus have been crowding Nelson Recreation Center every Tuesday and Thursday night of Winter Term for Middlebury's first ever season of IM dodgeball.

And the response has been overwhelming. With the men's and co-ed leagues each consisting of over 16 teams, dodgeball has enlisted almost 300 students, making it one of Middlebury's most successful IM sports.

Requiring only a basic knowledge of throwing, catching, blocking and moving, it is no wonder the game has been so popular among both liberal arts students and elementary school children. Of course, most participants have grown significantly since the fourth grade, and the inflatable gym balls are now traveling at cartoonish speeds. Even walking behind a dodgeball court in Nelson can prove hazardous as missed throws occasionally pick off oblivious bystanders. But no significant injuries to players or spectators have been reported thus far - though some go-getters have complained of post game arm soreness.

Co-Commissioner Andrew Pavoni '06 helped set up the co-ed and men's leagues after his initial talk of intramural dodgeball elicited a massive student response. Many players have attributed their revived interest in the sport to Ben Stiller's summer movie, "Dodgeball," which reminded audiences that pegging wide-eyed opponents with inflatable rubber balls never ceases to be funny.

Similar to the movie, teams in the Middlebury IM leagues have no shortage of unique style. Team names range from "Morons" to "Yes Please" to "Pipsqueak and the Honor Students," and the ranks are filled with athletes just as diverse and goofy as the team names. The old intramural spirit is undeniably present. The chants, the lack of practice, the team shirts and the maybe-serious-maybe-not trash talking. And at the end of the night, you'll find a few teams battling it out for the seventh or eighth time because a best of three series sometimes just isn't enough.

The Winter Term season was designed as a trial run, but with the obvious success, Middlebury will be seeing more dodgeball in the future. Pavoni and most of the league referees have varsity sport commitments during the fall and spring, so he is not sure when IM dodgeball will make its next appearance. But if enough student organizers step in where Pavoni and his crew left off, the campus might not have to wait until next Winter Term to see another season of dodgeball action.