Intramural Dodgeball Tournament

The Beta Ballers weren't exactly the "true underdogs" among the 11 teams that competed in Knox's Intramural Dodgeball League this year. They weren't the favorites, either. But they came out on top, besting the previously unbeaten Deuce Deuce Revolution in the semi-finals, and the Quellhorsts in the finals.

The three teams brought a combination of skill, dedication and experience to their matches, said Kenji Mori, a senior from Lombard, Illinois and co-commissioner of the league with his cousin, Victor Mui, a junior from Naperville, Illinois.

"Some of the teams may or may not show up for their matches," Mori said. The top teams each had "a solid group that comes to every game."

The winning teams "have some gunners who can really throw," Mori said. "They also use strategy, to take best advantage of all their players, even the ones that aren't as strong throwing."

The three top teams also featured a core of experienced players. "We started playing last year, when we all lived on the same floor in Seymour Hall," said Solomon Williams, whose team finished second. "It's something to do during the week, that gets our heart rates up."

Dodgeball has been tagged by some, including the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, as too competitive for grade school physical education classes. That didn't bother the Knox students. "It's one of those games that leaves room for both athleticism and improvisation," said Ray Oddi, one of William's teammates.

The only thing at stake in this tournament is the much-coveted "Intramural Champion" t-shirt, awarded to the top teams in a half-dozen intramural sports, called "IMs" on campus.

"I remember my freshman year, that was my goal, to get that t-shirt," said Mori, who conceded that if he and his cousin were not running the league, they would be on a team.

"I was also co-commissioner last year with Augie Filippone, who graduated," Mori said. "This year, my cousin and I jumped at the chance to lead the program and create another opportunity for students in IM sports."

Photo, left: Kenji Mori, center, discusses rules with two teams.