On Wednesday, February 26th, Steinbrenner’s DECA team hosted their annual event, Deca Dodgeball. This event allows clubs to compete in a tournament of dodgeball matches to determine an ultimate winner. The purpose of this competition was mainly to have a fun and entertaining event for Steinbrenner students to participate in while giving DECA members a chance to show off their knowledge.
“This event was made by the kids to show what they learned and to perform their understanding of their team sports class,” said Coach Szponar, the organizer of the event. It also gave clubs a chance to get together and collaborate.
Deca Dodgeball followed a bracket system with the first matches leading up to the losing and winning teams. This year there were a total of eight clubs who participated including the girls’ soccer team, boys JV basketball team, JROTC, boys football team, the softball team, the senior class, senate, and ACC (Asian Culture Club).
The rules of each game were simple and consisted of the player’s hands staying on the wall until the whistle blows then they could run and grab the balls from the middle. Hitting a player with the ball strikes them out and they must leave the floor, however there was a way to get back into the game. If a player catches the ball, then the person who threw it is out, and an opposing team member gets in again.
A student at Steinbrenner as well as ACC’S club representative Brielle Nguyen stated, “My favorite part was when the teams had their own walkout music.” This introduction was a creative and interactive experience for the clubs to express themselves as they prepare to compete.
As the tournament progressed the teams who lost were placed into a loser’s bracket while the winners progressed into the winners’ bracket. Each match lasted for around 3-5 minutes with players getting struck out quickly or putting up a fight.
There were some breaks in between some of the matches to mark a new game and for the teams to prepare to play. Through each break there were miniature games and interactions that brought in participants from the stands. Some of the games played included a version of heads, shoulders, knees, and toes dodgeball as well as target practice.
Sami Warren, a junior at Steinbrenner high school said, “the main purpose of the event for everyone was to just have fun whether they win or lose.” Being able to watch other teams go against each other and waiting to see who goes next kept the audience intrigued.
Every year, the Deca Dodgeball tournament is a creative way for DECA members to showcase their knowledge while also getting Steinbrenner students involved in an event. While this year’s match is over, members and students are already looking forward to next year.
