Shock the World: Club Dodgeball Looks to Repeat History at NCDA Nationals this weekend
Members of the Dodgeball team try to eliminate members of the opposing team March 21 at the Student Activity Center.
The Central Michigan University club dodgeball team took home its first and only National Collegiate Dodgeball Association Championship four years ago.
The Chippewas hope that history will repeat itself next weekend.
CMU will travel to Bowling Green, Ky. this weekend to take part in the NCDA Nationals April 11-12 at Western Kentucky University.
Okemos senior Jacob Leski is excited to be travel to his third national championship as a member of the team.
“This year we have a chance of winning it,” Leski said. “In years past, we didn’t stand a chance and we weren’t very good. This year we’ve got a good squad and I’m pretty confident we can take it all. The competition is pretty close so it’ll be a lot of fun. I think there will be a lot of upsets and it will be a pretty good time.”
CMU sits at 25-8, only losing to Grand Valley State University since September.
The Chippewas knocked off GVSU at the CMU Showdown on March 21, putting an end to the Lakers’ undefeated season and giving CMU their first win over the Allendale school this season.
CMU expects to see the Lakers on Sunday of the two-day tournament. Saturday consists of round-robin play, with the Chippewas set to face the University of Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Kent State University.
Leski believes the No. 4 Maryland Terrapins pose a tough task, but his team will be able to squeak by pool play and have a good seed for Sunday’s tournament.
“We really have to worry about Maryland, and if everything goes right hopefully we’ll see Grand Valley in the championship,” Leski said.
Lowell sophomore Tyler Prill is participating in his second nationals. He says the practices leading up to nationals have been rigorous, with captains Macomb senior Wes Peters and NCDA “Baller of the Month” for March Saint Clair senior Brett Hadwin heightening the workouts.
“It has definitely been more intense,” Prill said. “The captains have been on our tails a bit more than usual. There’s a lot more determination and focus in practice. We’re speeding things up more than what we’ve used to.”
It has been two weeks since CMU last played in an actual competition. After sweeping Michigan State University, GVSU, James Madison University, and Saginaw Valley State University, Prill said that the long layoff has helped the team.
“I think it’s been a beneficial thing that we’ve had a couple weeks off, simply because it helps us focus in practice and the weekends really help us rest our arms and rest our bodies,” Prill said. “I think if anything it has benefitted us as a team. It allows us to have some relaxation and get ready for the tournament.”
CMU will have to win four games on Sunday to win nationals, and could possibly have to play seven games in two days. Leski says he is looking forward to the camaraderie is what will be his final dodgeball event with the Chippewas.
“You’re surrounded by your team for three long days,” Leski said. “You get to see everybody there and we have a fun time playing the sport we love.”
CMU will leave Mount Pleasant at 8 a.m. Friday as the No. 2 seed in the NCDA. They hope to return as the No. 1.
Leski said he hopes his team can “shock the world” and give the university its first national championship in four seasons.
Prill echoed his teammate. He said the Chippewas can claim the NCDA title.
“I think if we go out and play with a level-head like we did at the CMU Showdown, we can sweep away,” Prill said. “It won’t be easy, but I think we can definitely pull it off.”
