The Dodgeball Tournament Returns to Watauga

Teacher Phillip Hicks playing Dodgeball. Photo Cred: Watauga Yearbook Staff.

For the second year in a row, Watauga hosted the “Snowball” Dodgeball Tournament. All proceeds from the tournament went to the beneficiaries honored at December’s Mr. WHS event. The tournament consisted of teams of six players who competed against each other in a bracket-style elimination. Along with the teams of students playing against each other, the winning team got to challenge the faculty in a round of dodgeball.

“I chose to participate because it seemed like a fun and friendly competition to do with my friends,” said Milan Sabanosh, a freshman here at Watauga. “I got to play after school during the qualifying rounds, and dodgeball is overall a pretty fun game.” 

There are many different approaches to playing a game of dodgeball. A lot of teams had good throwers so they relied on that skill, but others had to take a more strategic route.

“My strategy in the games was to stay back and give the balls to the better throwers on the team,” said Sabanosh. “Know your strengths and weaknesses of the team. Make sure the best thrower is throwing the most.”  

Some players had other strengths and tried to rely on the element of surprise. Teachers who participated, such as Amanda Wallace of the English Department, also joined in the fun.

“I was nervous about getting hit on the head, even though it is illegal,” said Wallace. “So my strategy was to protect my head at all costs and then try to get as close to the other team as possible without them noticing me so I could make a sneak attack.”

Though dodgeball is a competitive game, the real reason to join in is to create a memorable highschool experience with friends.

“Have fun with your friends and enjoy the time you have to play,” advised Sabanosh.

The tournament is a fun event for the whole school, and it is a great way to celebrate the last week of school before winter break. 

“It's great to have the students and the faculty engaged in athletic sports together,” said Wallace. “We get to have fun and build community.”