Dodgeball lovers unite! The Skyline rowing team’s dodgeball tournament returns this year on Saturday, Jan. 21.
The daylong tournament is a creative fundraiser for the rowing team. Because the team is considered a varsity sport in the spring and a club sport in the fall, its members are tasked with raising all the funds needed to support its club activities.
“This year we’ve fundraised $20,000 to $30,000 ourselves,” said rowing coach Kit Bennett. “It’s just a lot of money. And that’s just —excuse the pun— to stay afloat.”
The coach is quick to note that “it’s not just parents handing out checks. It’s the kids and parents going out and working for it.”
Last year the tournament raised roughly $2,500, which helped pay for equipment and scholarships for team members. “We have the policy that we don’t turn people away based on financial situation,” Bennett said. “We need scholarship money to help keep that as true as we can. The mission is, if someone expresses an interest, we will make sure they can do it.”
The tournament also helps the rowing team get some much-needed exposure. “We’re not a sport that people know much about,” Bennett said. “So to see us in this kind of atmosphere is great.”
Adding to the excitement is the tendency of many teams to dress up in costumes. Last year’s teams came in all kinds of outrageous outfits, such as hula costumes or movie-themed wear.
Teams need 7-10 members to sign up. Teams will fit into one of five categories: Lower Elementary for grades 4-5, Middle School for grades 6-8, High School (these teams must be coed with at least two girls on the court), Adult Open, and Masters (for those age 30 and over). The cost to participate is $10 per person.
The tournament takes place on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Skyline High School, starting at 8 a.m. Registration is available at annarbordogdeball.com.
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