The anticipation had been building for weeks. A new tradition at LSE. One that would test the strength, mobility and hand-eye coordination of all those who dared to enter the challenge...
The LSE SU Dodgeball Tournament.
This past weekend friends joined as teammates to participate in the first LSE Dodgeball Tournament – and it looks like this is going to become a must-do annual event. There was such a high rate of wannabe dodgers that the venue was changed from the LSE gym to Talacre Spots Centre in Camden. At 10am on Saturday morning teams were stretching and practicing their throws in preparation for the matches to come.
The venue.
And what a day of delightful dodgeball madness ensued!
Dashing dodgers dived across the gym floor in dynamic performances of grace and agility. The mad rush of side-stepping theatrics to avoid being hit. The whistle of a dodgeball as it sailed through the air and the thud as it made contact with its target. Oh, it was on.
The day commenced with round robins, moving onto quarter, semis, and then the match that would decide who would reign as Dodgeball Champions and claim victory to the Dodgeball Belt.
At the beginning of each set, the dodgers faced each other, awaiting the countdown. Five individuals facing their five (friendly) opponents lined up against the opposite wall, preparing to sprint to the middle of the court where six gleaming, green balls awaited the start of the match.
On your marks, get set, dodge!
As round robins finished up and the quarter finals began, it was evident that there was a lot of dodgeball talent representing. My teammates (or should I say Ginger, Posh, Sporty and Baby) showcased extraordinary efforts, but alas we were no match to the dodgeball abilities of the Village Team, whose throwing accuracy was quite remarkable.
All too quickly, there were just two teams left and the final battle for dodgeball victory was underway. It was an exhilarating match, with a different team on the advantage at different times, but ultimately there could only be one LSESU Dodgeball Champion. Congratulations to the Architects of Victory who lived up to their team name and were the ones to hoist the Dodgeball Belt into the wind.
Dodgeball champions!
Teams were encouraged to dress up for the event, and the Best Fancy Dress award went to The Pacman, with their expertly home-made Pacman t-shirts. Honourable mentions go out to The Village Team and the Spice Girls (although for transparency sake I should reveal that I was on Team Spice).
Best fancy dress!
Awards for best-dodger, MVP, and “sore”est loser were also given out. Congratulations to all participants for a fun-filled day. Many thanks to Activities and Development Officer Stanley Ellerby-English and Sports Development Coordinator Harriette Rothwell for organizing!
For more photos of dodgeball fun click here.
By Digital Comms Intern Wanda O'Brien.