Sports
Popular Scotts Valley Dodgeball League Has Successful First Season
Dodgeball games combine community, fun and exercise.
Scotts Valley’s first adult dodgeball league was a big hit this spring season.
“This game was popular due to the fun and spirit of the teams,” said Dorene Bolanos, recreation coordinator for Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation. "We're pretty happy with the success of the program and many are asking me for a summer league.”
The top four teams faced off in the co-ed and men’s championship games Tuesday night at Bethany College’s gymnasium. The playoff action started off with a match-up between the co-ed teams—NSV and L Goodies. Unbelievable dives, dips and dodges were seen from both sides of the court.
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L Goodies team manager Amelia Gulling says she had a blast this season.
“I was just telling my co-workers that dodgeball is the new yoga, you can have fun and throw balls at people,” Gulling said.
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Gulling’s husband Larry donned his very own dodgeball trading cards of players from the league teams. The cards were made and donated by Jessie Gabriel, a local photographer and dodgeball player this season who contributed his time to make a bunch of trading cards.
“The cards added another element of fun to the game,” Larry Gulling said.
Jeff Ritchey shared the history behind the team name NSV—North Scotts Valley. A majority of the players have known each other since grade school from Vine Hill Elementary and Scotts Valley middle and high schools. They decided to come together and have a co-ed team and an all men’s team.
“Playing together, we have a blast. It’s social and fun,” Ritchey said. “Our team enjoyed winning the hearts of the crowd by getting everyone cheering and feeling it.”
Final score for the co-ed league: L Goodies 25 - NSV 13.
The men’s championship game featured the teams Doing it Dodgey Style vs. NSV. Before the men’s game, Bolanos explained the rules to the teams. The game is 40 minutes, there is a 5 seconds hold or dribble rule and all rules are on the honor system.
The men’s game moved quickly with the balls moving fast. The balls seemed much smaller than I remember on the school playground! The game still requires quickness and the ability to twist one's body to avoid a hit. I learned you can use your hands to catch a ball which will allow a forced-out player back into the game.
“This is our first experience playing dodgeball as adults,” said Alan Carlson who manages Doing it Dodgey Style. “It’s all about fun. I enjoy throwing it underhand to get ‘em out.”
Final score for the men’s league: Doing it Dodgey Style 44 - NSV 33.
Sadly, for many Scotts Valley dodgeball players the season has come to an end. A comment heard repeatedly from the crowd on Tuesday night was, “Now what are we going to do on Tuesday nights?”
Upcoming Events
Vargas Academy's Cheer Team Auditions
April 26-28, ages 6-18
Vargas Academy's Anniversary Celebration May 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
