Recess on the playground as a child usually meant running around, screaming, while trying to avoid being hit by the maniacal kid with the rubber ball who was aiming straight for you.
Today, James Wohltman is bringing back that old-school game, also known as dodgeball, to your very own campus.
“The main purpose of our group is pretty darn simple: to have fun, meet cool people and hopefully break a bone or two in the process,” said Wohltman, captain of the dodgeball team.
Dodgeball was brought back into focus by the 2004 movie with the same name starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. Since then, the sport has made a comeback on reality show competitions and even earning a spot on the Game Show Network.
According to the National Amateur Dodgeball Association, the rules are simple. The object of the game is to either hit your opponent with a “live” ball (or a ball that hasn’t touched the ground or a person) or catch a live ball thrown by your opponent to get them “out.” The first team who gets every opponent “out” wins.
Three balls are lined up in the center of the court and after a whistle from the referee, players can grab their ammo and begin.
“We like to boast that we are the only group on campus that lets you throw stuff at complete strangers and then cheer you on when you nail one with a dodgeball,” Wohltman said. “You can bring protective eyewear if you want, but we’ll probably make fun of you.”
Wohltman even hopes to someday make his favorite game a class credit.
“We’re hoping to find someone who will teach it in the spring, but as there are no qualifications for this fledgling sport, it’s hard to find an instructor,” he said.
The dodgeball team meets Monday nights in the Center for Physical Activity at 7 p.m. Wohltman said that time may change according to the schedules of the players, but to feel free to contact him for game times.
“Lastly, I’d just like to say it’s always good to B.Y.O.B. (or bring your own ball),” Wohltman said. “And at ETSU dodgeball, we aim low.”
For questions about meeting times for the dodgeball team, contact Wohltman at mentalward70@hotmail.com or the SORC at 439-6633.

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