The Flying Bald Eagles of America Yeah and The Manhattan Project dominated the court all throughout the week during the second annual Dodgeball Tournament. Although the groups were victorious among their peers, the two teams had no chance against the faculty team. The staff members, including badminton coach Kemp Wells and athletic instructor Chase Paulson, quickly defeated both teams.
“It was a lot of fun playing against the student team in the tournament. The boys from the basketball team couldn’t handle the power of the faculty. We rose to the challenge and the students had no idea what hit them!” staff team member Addison Whitesel stated.
Pathways Communications Academy held its dodgeball tournament during the last week of March. The first and second place winners of the competition had the opportunity to play against the staff team on April 12.
The champion team, The Manhattan Project, mainly consisted of members from the boy’s basketball team. Each team member sported a basketball jersey and shorts throughout the tournament. The Flying Bald Eagles of America Yeah, which placed second, was mostly comprised of members of the boy’s soccer team, and each player wore the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.
“It was a really fun experience trying to hit some teachers. It’s humbling to be part of the championship team, but it was mostly my teammates who did all the work,” Christian Manalo, team captain of The Manhattan Project, recalled.
The team captain also explained how the team came up with its strategy. Stronger members of the Manhattan Project were able to focus on powerfully hitting players, while those with other skills, such as Manalo, concentrated on catching the ball to get opponents who threw the caught ball out of the game.
The dodgeball tournament was held during lunch in the school gym from March 25 to 29. Separated into brackets, the participating teams played against their designated opponents, and winning teams were able to advance in the competition. The first place team was awarded trophies and t-shirts, while the second place winners received medals. Both teams were also rewarded with a chance to play against the staff team.
“I found the dodgeball event to be a great opportunity to interact with a couple of my students in a way I normally would not. I thought it was great for Pathways to put on such a fun interactive event for our school,” Frank De Anda, one of the teachers in the staff team, shared.
In order to participate, students were required to fill out an application form and pay a fee of $5. Tim Woolston, Pathways Leadership teacher and the coordinator of the event, started the tournament last year to fundraise for Pathways. The event’s success allowed him to hold the tournament again this year.
A Multi-School Championship among Diamond Ranch, Bonita, and West Covina High School was planned, but was cancelled last week due to low ticket sales.
“This year’s tournament at the school was very successful. We made about $800 last year and about $400 this year, so I think in total we made much profit from the event,” Woolston said.