Post dodgeball tournament builds camaraderie

By Tina Ray
Paraglide

December 8, 2011

	Photos by Tina Ray/Paraglide Units play in the 2011 Post Dodgeball Tournament, Saturday, at Ritz-Epps Physical Fitness Center. Ten teams participated in the competition, with the Honey Badgers, a team from the Special Warfare Troops Group, claiming overall victory.

Dodgeball’s popularity rose with the 2004 movie (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story), fast becoming not just a national pastime, but also one that Fort Bragg sports brought to the forefront.

“The popularity of dodgeball was influenced somewhat by the movie, so it’s been a popular recreational sport on university campuses,” said Steve Johnson, intramural sports coordinator. “We decided to try it here and I think it’s met with a good response.”

The 2011 Post Dodgeball Tournament kicked off with a 9:30 a.m. start time at Ritz-Epps Physical Fitness Center, Saturday, and featured 10 teams each comprised of 10 players.

For brothers, Joshua, 23, and Isaac Fearnside, 21, the tournament offered an opportunity, not only to bond with each other, but also with their brothers-in-arms. The Fearnside brothers, who enlisted at the same time three years ago, seemed to enjoy the camaraderie.

“I think it brings people together so we can make some friends,” said Isaac. “It’s a good way to get to know people.”

Joshua and Isaac played for team Honey Badgers, comprised of Soldiers from the Special Warfare Training Group. They faced the Commo Convicts of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in play just after 10 a.m. For Joshua, tournament play was also about tapping into his competitive spirit.

“I like competition, any type of sports. I just like playing sports,” he said.

Isaac agreed.

“People get pretty competitive sometimes,” he said. “But to win, would give me bragging rights.”
As is often the with sports, it does not only encompass those who participate, but the Families who support them as well.

Joshua’s wife, Heidi, cheered her husband and brother-in-law from the bleachers.

“I like to cheer him on and to be there for him,” Heidi said. “It’s just a fun thing that they look forward to, instead of working everyday.”

On the other side of the court was Daniel McIver.

Assigned to the HHC, 1st Bn., 504th PIR, McIver competed with the Commo Convicts.

“I love the fact that it gives us something to do; it takes our mind off work and it’s just fun,” he said.

The Honey Badgers won the tournament, which was double-elimination, accomplished by winning the best three of five games.

Sports give Soldiers an alternative to engaging in other activities that could interfere with their commitment to mission readiness.

“It’s free and it’s a good way to have a good time without getting into trouble for your actions,” Isaac said.

Intramural sports uphold Fort Bragg’s commitment to support Soldiers and their Families with quality programs while enabling them to maintain resiliency.

Share