The entire school district is emphasizing getting kids active this year. Shelly Hill, the community outreach coordinator, has asked the Powell High School sophomore class officers to put on a health initiative; they chose a school wide dodge ball tournament. It has been a fun idea for our early release Wednesdays that keeps kids active. Although the sophomore class officers are primarily running the tournament, Mr. Opps and Mrs. Jacobs, student council advisors, are overseeing it.
Every early release Wednesday, each grade’s homeroom classes play against each other in a tournament. The games are played during Prime Time, and the tournament will end up lasting through the last early release Wednesday of the year. The bracket is set up so it is a single elimination, so if a team loses once, they’re out. So far, the freshman and sophomores are the only grades that have participated. Mrs. Hildebrand’s homeroom won the freshman tournament, and Mr. Heny’s homeroom won the sophomore tournament. Once all four grades have gone through the single elimination round, there will be a final tournament to decide the overall dodge ball champion. Josh Cragoe, a member of a champion team, stated, “Failure is not an option.” He looks forward to participating in the final tournament. The champion team will also receive prizes.
The rules for the tournament are pretty much the same as the Powell High School P.E. rules. For example, if you catch a ball, two people from your team can go back in, or if you get someone out, one of your teammates can go back in. If you get hit you are out, and there is no cussing allowed. The main difference is that a person cannot go back in if one of his or her teammates gets someone out. The only way to go back into the game is if a teammate catches a ball. The games are played in both the main gym and the auxiliary gym, and Hill bought brand new dodge balls to be used only for the tournament. The sophomore class officers also will have music playing throughout the gyms to keep everyone pumped up and ready to play.
The homeroom teachers are allowed to play and help their team if they choose. Several teachers get way into the tournament and are very competitive. Mr. Preator said, “The intimidation factor we held as we walked into the gym, dressed in uniform, was eliminated almost as quickly as the members of our team. We learned some great lessons and I pity the team that ever has to face our team again. We see this only as a stepping stone on our way to the national championship.”
Mr. Heny also got way into helping lead his team to victory saying, “I thought it was a blast. Of course, winning is always fun!”
Everybody seems to be really enjoying this fun way to stay active. There has been a lot of participation, and most kids agree it is way better than just sitting in homeroom classes, doing nothing. It keeps Prime Time much more exciting.