FORT BENNING, Ga. - Children in elementary and middle schools across the country play dodgeball at recess and in gym class. Now, grown-ups can too, in Columbus.
Ever since the comedy, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, debuted in 2004, starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, the sport has become popular, said Jeff Gonos, who runs the dodgeball league and is founder of Beyond the Game, a social and sports club in Columbus, which offers flag football and whiffle ball.
"Every adult has played dodgeball at one time or another when they were kids. It's a staple of gym class," he said. "The movie struck up a lot of memories with people and got them talking about the sport."
The four-team coed league, the only one of its kind in Columbus, is in its first year. Matches are played weekly at the Pacelli High School gym. The season started in December and will finish at the end of January.
"It's a competitive sport and it's fairly easy," he said. "The key to dodgeball is accuracy. As long as you can step and throw at a target and hit it, you can play dodgeball."
Gonos said he would like to expand the league and have all sports in Beyond the Game become year-round activities, but it all depends on participation.
Dodgeball is played at Pacelli High School Gym:
Sunday 5 p.m. - Dodge These vs. The Dodge Ball Team
6 p.m. - Triple D's vs. Throwing Ballzonya
Jan 24
5 p.m. - Dodge These vs. Throwing Ballzonya
6 p.m. - Triple D's vs. The Dodge Ball Team
What are your thoughts on dodgeball'
"Players get heated on the court - it's pretty intense out there. It's a fun and athletic sport to do with friends and pretty simple - you dodge the ball and try and stay out there as long as you can. I think the actual game is similar to the movie."
- Chris Womack, team Dodge These
"You don't have to be good to play. You don't have to have any previous skills - anybody can play this sport as long as you can dodge, throw and catch. ... I think once people start hearing about the league, they will want to get involved."
-- Melissa Galey, team Dodge These
For more information about Beyond the Game, go to
www.btgsports.net.
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