Most people have played dodgeball at some point in their lives.
It was often introduced as part of the physical education program in schools.
Two sides line up trying to hit an opposing team player with a ball while trying to avoid being hit in return. The team that eliminates the competition wins.
“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” was a line made famous in the cult classic “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.”
As the movie depicts, dodgeball isn’t just for kids anymore.
Adults are signing up to play this high-velocity sport in leagues at the local level, and at major competitions.
The fierceness of the sport was demonstrated on Main Street, North Bay over the weekend, with teams coming from all over the province for the 6th Annual Rage in the Cage competition. It was held in conjunction with the Downtown Improvement Area’s Summer in the City festivities.
“The team that we just played has player’s that are national level players. There are some people here that can bring the ball 75 miles an hour. They’re throwing from about 30 feet,” said Tim Simpson, tournament coordinator.
Taking a ball at that speed is bound to smart.
“It just gives you a little slap. You get used to it. These are mixed teams as well. It’s an equal opportunity employer,” laugh Simpson.
Alisha Hudon has played in this tournament for the past four years.
Her secrets to success? Dip, dodge, dive, and duck.
“I just really like playing dodgeball. I just play as much as I can. It really doesn’t hurt that much. You just want to stay on your feet, and the balls aren’t hard. They’re soft enough that they may sting for a couple of seconds, but you’re in the game. You’re not feeling it too much.”
Hudon has been playing in the North Bay league since it started a few years ago.
“It’s a really good stress reliever,” she laughed.
“After a long day at work, it’s great to come and just throw the balls. You know you’re going to get them whipped back at you, but it’s fun.”
As an indicator of the sport’s popularity, the Rage event was in competition with a bigger tournament in southern Ontario over the weekend, but it still managed to attract about 50 players.
“Everybody here is a dodgeball fanatic. We love playing the game. There are some new people here which is good. It’s always fun playing on the street. The players like it. We’ve got some people here from Sudbury and London and places in between. Everybody likes coming up to a different kind of game. It’s a fun day,” said Simpson.
“This one is unique because it’s the only one in the province played on the street. That and the love of the game is what keeps people coming back.”
