Duck’n’dive: Dodge ball tourney

By Dixon Bledsoe

Wes Kuenzi did not expect to have as much fun as he did.

After all, he – along with many others – was competing in a game normally played at recess at school.

Not did he only have fun in the first Dodge, Duck, Dip and Dive Dodge Ball Tournament, he’s ready to sponsor a team again.

The second annual Silverton Dodge Ball Tournament is April 2 at the old Schlador Street campus.
Athletes need cat-like reflexes to be able to dodge, dive or dip to avoid being hit by rubber balls thrown at stinging speeds. They should be able to throw lightening fast, catch incoming balls and most importantly – have fun.

The event is a fundraiser for Project Graduation, Silverton High School’s Class of 2011 drug and alcohol free graduation celebration in June.

Last year’s event was a huge success thanks to the impeccable organizational skills of Mindy Duerst and Erica Rumpca.

“We set a first year goal of 32 teams, we prayed for eight, and were lucky to get 27 teams, or 216 Dodge ball players,” Rumpca said. “In our first year, we netted $5,200, and hope to make even more this year.”

Last year, they planned the tournament in five weeks. Players and fans alike were insistent the event become an annual part of Project Graduation.

Thanks to some great word-of-mouth advertising from happy players and fans from last year’s event, registration for this year’s tournament is closed with 44 teams ready to compete for the first place trophy.

This year of dodgers and duckers include teams from two beauty schools, EMTs, attorneys, police officers, plumbers, painters, farmers, teenagers, and a team from Portland.

Just like the schoolyard game – the object is to eliminate all opposing team members by getting them out in a four-minute session. Catch the ball and you’re safe. Drop the ball and you’re on the sideline.

“A People’s Choice Award” will be presented to the best-dressed team. Costumes are encouraged, Rumpca said.

Last year, the gym was packed and full of color, with teams like “The Pussy Cat Balls” and the green-haired “Victorious Secret” ducking and diving all over the pine floors.

Rumpca is thankful for the event’s sponsors, who make it possible.

“Our gold sponsor this year is Pacific Sanitation and the silver sponsor is Dr. Kim’s Dentistry,” Rumpca said.

“They both have been terrific sponsors of this event, and last year, Dr. Kim’s team, The Pussy Cat Balls, were our grand champions. Bronze sponsors are Ioka Marketing, Holland Collision, and Hope Orthopedics.”

“Dr. Michael Kim, who has already done so much for this community, has a food drive for Silverton Area Community Aid that day,” Rumpca added. “Those who come to our tournament with a non-perishable food donation can get $1 off admission. Last year we brought in over 136 pounds of food to that cause.”

Last year, Tara Polley played on the third-place team, Balls Deep.

“I only hope this continues until my two young daughters are seniors in high school,” Polley said.