The Kean University Athletic Training Club (ATC) hosted a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for their club and it was successful, for both fun and competitive natures. Teams of five battled it out for a couple cases of Monster Energy drinks and, more importantly, dodgeball champion bragging rights.

Most importantly, the ATC enjoyed the successful fundraising event to further opportunities for students to go to the NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) and EATA (Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association) for clinical experience and networking.

“Yeah, I think it went really well,” said ATC President Mario Gencarelli, a senior athletic training major. “There is always room for improvement with the little things but overall it was a success for the Athletic Training Club and I thank the teams who participated.”

Caitlin Orlando, junior athletic training major, helped Gencarelli as she could with the tournament as well as competing in it as well, getting to see the floor from both ends of the spectrum. “It was awesome to get the opportunity to play and set up for the event,” said Orlando. “Playing on one of the teams was fun, even though I was often the first one out! Overall, I believe the event was a success and a great way to fundraise for the Athletic Training Club.”

Gencarelli had the thankless task of running the event as well as officiating, not even getting to enjoy what he put together by taking part in the throwing and dodging. “I absolutely wish I could have played,” said Gencarelli. “After watching how intense and competitive some games had become I wanted to be in the mix. That definitely made me regret not making a squad but I wouldn’t go back on a decision to ref[eree the games] because that allowed me to appreciate all the games played.”

Despite popular craving, Gencarelli did not show up as White Goodman from the movie “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” but he did echo the movie’s famous words whilst explaining away the rules: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.

Balls flying, gamesmanship and tactics grew as the night wore on at Harwood Arena. All teams were interested in having fun and competing as well as they could, which lifted the quality and meaning to the games. All in all, the fundraising event was a fun way to raise a few bucks to better the ATC. The tournament was laid out well and well planned. 

Tom Bogert l The Cougar’s Byte
Mario Gencarelli laying down the rules