The second annual Island-wide Dodgeball Tournament drew 70 participants and a host of enthusiastic fans to the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) gym on Saturday. The event, sponsored by the junior class as a prom fundraiser, provided plenty of action and fun for competitors and fans alike.
“We hope to raise several hundred dollars today toward the cost of our prom,” said class president Emily Gazzaniga. “Each team pays $50 to participate. We also have a concession stand and are also selling last year’s t-shirts for $5… we call them vintage!”
The tournament consisted of seven teams of ten players each competing in a double-elimination format. As the teams mingled in the gym prior to the start, there was an air of eager anticipation — and a touch of intrigue.
Juniors Jenaleigh Griffin, Maddy Tully, and Skyla Harthcock of Jared’s Team were somewhat miffed before play began. “We chose a team uniform of black with dope socks,” said Jenaleigh. (Unbeknownst to this reporter, “dope” implies hip, cool, stylin’.) “Now we find out another team is [dressed] in black with neon socks. We hope we face them on the court.” Would the girls go toe-to-toe with their sock rival?
Meanwhile, sophomore Zach Smith resembled a sidewalk salesman, flagging down passersby left and right. “I’m trying to put together a team,” he explained. “I’ve got seven right now, mainly football and basketball teammates. At this point I’ll take anyone I can get.” Would Zach succeed in fielding a team?
Noah Asimow of Team Balls expressed pre-tourney optimism. “We’re very confident,” he said. “And I personally have a lot to prove. I have pent up feelings about my high school experience.” Would Noah resolve his lingering high school issues?
The competition lived up to the pre-tourney expectations and drama. After two hours of round-robin play featuring equal parts athletic prowess, trash-talk, and, of course, acrobatic dodges, a winner was declared.
The Goats, after suffering an opening game loss to Team Balls, dominated the losers’ bracket the rest of the way, then knocked off the Balls in the finals. It was a just and ironic conclusion to a spirited competition.
Goats captain Max Gargiulo of Oak Bluffs talked about his team’s comeback win. “We have good players,” he said. “After losing that opener we picked up our game and got into the zone.”
As for the drama: Jared’s Team did not settle the sock wars. Instead, they would knock off 4X4 B in round one before being sent to the losers’ bracket by team Trust the Process. Zack found the three players he needed. His boom boom claps handily dispatched The Dodge Fathers in the opening round and enjoyed themselves in the process. Team Balls lived up to Asimow’s expectations, sweeping the winners’ bracket from start to finish before falling to the Goats.
The day’s biggest winner was the junior class. According to class co-advisor Amy Lilavois, the event raised about $400. “It was successful in that everyone who came had a great time,” she said, “and it was exciting to see our class make some needed money. This event is an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to have fun together. We’re hoping to get more folks involved next year, including the middle schools.”
If Saturday’s broad grins and high-fives are any indication, the Island-Wide Dodgeball Tournament will be back next year bigger than ever.