Dodging for a cause
Mercy and U of D students had “a ball” at the first annual U of D and Mercy Dodgeball Tournament
After a successful homecoming football game with the Mercy Marlins and University of Detroit Jesuit (U of D) Cubs, Mercy Student Council and U of D Student Senate reconnected forces to plan the first annual U of D and Mercy Dodgeball Tournament.
“Our plan was to continue the U of D and Mercy relationship after the homecoming game,” said U of D Student Treasurer senior Kevin Begic.
Both student councils worked hard to promote fellowship between the two schools and continue the strong relationship that was established in the fall. After two months of meeting and planning, the student councils decided on a dodgeball tournament to increase unity and raise money for Mercy’s Save the Marlin campaign.
“The Save The Marlin campaign was started to raise money to purchase a new marlin suit for our school’s mascot,” said Mercy Student Council President senior Ciara Lopus.
Along with the dodgeball tournament, Mercy Student Council created a spirit shirt to raise money for the $5,000 marlin suit. Students will be able to wear the shirt on spirit days and to sporting events as they represent their favorite teams in a sea of maroon.
Together, U of D and Mercy raised $700 for Mercy’s Save the Marlin campaign and U of D’s senate budget.
With attendance of 12 co-ed teams made of both Mercy and U of D students, the bracket featured many teams with creative names and matching uniforms.
“My favorite part [of the dodgeball tournament] was seeing everyone dressed in random matching uniforms, and the spirit that everyone had,” said Mercy freshman Vanessa Ryan. Ryan was happy to support as a player on the only freshman team. “I was very excited for this dodgeball tournament until my team decided to take the ‘L’ to The Average Joe’s,” said U of D junior Jacob Kello. “But my team, The Snakes, were able to bounce back and win the next two games which was a lot of fun, and overall, I had a great time!”
After each team played four games, the real bracket began. Teams competed until they were eliminated by losing and joined the loser’s bracket. In the end, the team named 2 FC took the victory and the prize of a dodgeball signed by their team and a $100 gift card.
“We hope to make this a tradition that carries on to next year,” said Begic, who has big plans ahead to continue school unity and create more traditions along with the Mercy and U of D student councils.
Check out the photo gallery below which includes pictures from the dodgeball tournament!
