Rubber balls and rivalries provided priceless entertainment last Wednesday at the Laguna Beach High School gyms for SchoolPower’s much awaited Dodgeball Tournament.
The third annual tournament proved so popular, the schedule required adjusting to accommodate extra teams. Altogether, 52 teams made up of more than 400 costume-clad competitors battled for dodgeball domination in three divisions.
After facing off against police officers, elementary school teachers and the high school basketball team in elimination rounds, the Thurston Middle School Teachers triumphed over the So Lag Slackers team of parents in the final game to take home the coveted Golden Skull Trophy.
“We are proud of our victory and plan on returning next year to defend the title,” said Thurston assistant principal and champion dodgeballer Mike Modeer, who expressed his appreciation to Schoolpower and volunteers for organizing the event.
In the 4th-5th grade division, Bedrock Ballers brought home the Golden Skull medals while the team dubbed “We couldn’t think of a name” topped the 6th-8th grade division.
Teams also vied to be named best dressed. Competition was so fierce that there was a three-way tie in the 6th-8th grade division with Cereal Dodgeball Assassins, Coed Flame Throwers, and Tre-Bay Ballers sharing the honors. Best costume awards also went to Team Bravefarts in the high school/adult division and Gnomes in the 4th-5th grade division.
The tournament raised over $9,000 for Laguna Beach schools through participant fees and business sponsors including Hobie Surf Shop, Bluebird Canyon Farms, Bread Artisan Bakery, Gnarly “Q”, Angels Baseball Foundation, Team Laguna Realtors, and Hurley.
“Who would have thought that blasting your friends and neighbors would be so successful in helping us celebrate our community and our amazing schools,” said SchoolPower President Samantha Washer.
More tournament pictures at www.lbschoolpower.org.
Photos by Kristin Karkoska/ Blue Sky Studio
