Students’ Association partnered with the intramural office to conduct the 4th annual dodgeball tournament this week.
One hundred thirty-five students and 19 teams competed in a men and women’s tournament Tuesday and Thursday. Rachael Shudde, president of the freshman class, was responsible for organizing the event.
“Organizing the tournament was such good experience for me, and it was a lot of fun to see it come together Tuesday night,” Shudde said. “Looking at all the people that showed up, I think this tournament is a good testament to the ACU community.”
Shudde, sophomore political science major from Ovalo, was originally approached by Beau Carter, SA vice president, about leading the event. While the tournament is an SA venture, it would not have been possible without Kyle Pinson, director of intramural sports, and the intramural office.
The men’s tournament had nine teams with seven of them receiving a first-round bye, and the women had 10 teams with six earning a bye. Both were double-elimination tournaments. The first three rounds were played Tuesday, and the final games were played Thursday.
“This season has been a long, exhausting season,” said Luke Medlicott, team captain of the Throbocops. “No, but seriously, it’s a good time out here. And its nice to see SA put on fun events like this.”
The referees of the contests were not the usual intramural officials. Instead, SA representatives stopped in to fill the role.
Shudde arranged for the time spent refereeing the games to be counted toward office hours necessary to being a part of SA. Representatives must earn a certain amount of hours “in the office” to maintain their elected positions.
“It is a blast to be out here and be a part of this,” said Kyle Karnei, sophomore vice president and dodgeball referee. “This is great way for SA representatives to interact with the students and their constituents.”
While the event is school wide, its structure lends itself more to social clubs. Men’s and women’s social clubs could earn points toward their overall intramural total. However, Shudde said she hopes to plan more events that appeal to freshmen as well.
“I would have liked to have seen more freshmen participate, and I hope to plan more events targeted at getting them involved,” Shudde said.
