By SERIAH SARGENTON
Staff Writer
Madness took over the gymnasium with the 13th annual dodgeball tournament, hosted by the Student Events Board, last Tuesday.
Eight teams faced off in the competition. The Average Joes took home the win after defeating The Cereal Killers in the final matchup. The team was awarded a trophy with engraved names of all former Dodgeball Madness winners.
“It’s super fun,” said Grace Giancola, member of the Average Joes and co-captain of the Saint Rose cheerleading team. It was Giancola’s first time participating as a member of a Dodgeball Madness team, but she has performed at the event in years past as a cheerleader. She was asked to take part in the dodgeball event by a fellow teammate.
The event was emceed by Kayla Royster and Hunter Hitchcock. They interacted with the crowd of nearly 300 people by announcing the matchups, giving away free shirts, and calling raffles.
“It was nerve-wracking and exciting,” said Royster.“Everyone had great sportsmanship.”
SEB began actively planning for Dodgeball Madness in January. Members worked a couple of hours a week throughout the semester on deciding details like prizes and team shirt colors, according to Rebecca Moyer, president of SEB.
“It was a lot of fun to see people come out when they’re stressed and forget about it,” said Moyer.
There were performances by Sabor Latino, Knightz in Motion, Swing Phi Swing, and the Alana Steppers, as well as raffles for the students. For one dancer, the performance was a big deal because it was their debut in front of the entire campus community.
“It’s been super tiring. Everyone has been working super hard for this,”said Rhina Allende, member of Sabor Latino, Knightz in Motion and the Alana Steppers.
Sabor Latino performed with a set that included bringing members of the audience up to dance Bachata with members of the team.
For Allende, being a part of Dodgeball Madness was an opportunity to boost school spirit.
“Everyone probably has hit their low point,” said Allende. “It’s a great time in the semester.”
