De Soto High School’s annual dodgeball tournament was held following the boys’ varsity basketball game on Friday, Jan. 25.

At this year’s event, 16 teams of students from various grade levels signed up to compete. Playing fees collected from students are used to benefit the Cat Pride budget.

“I loved it [the dodgeball tournament]. It gets more fun each year, and this was my third year playing,” junior participant Blake Millman said.

Not only is the tournament fun for the players, but spectators and coaches enjoy the experience just as much.

“I decided to be a coach because I was injured and could not participate, so it’s awesome that I still got to be involved in such a fun experience with my friends,” senior Daniel Apple said.

Many friends of players came out to support and watch the games unfold.

“It was fun to watch all my friends play each other and see how competitive everyone got,” sophomore Mackenzie Leisten said.

Although participating teams play other students from all grade levels, it is always unexpected who will come out in first place.

“My team was at a disadvantage talent-wise. As we watched other teams and saw their potential, we weren’t sure if we could pull it off,” Millman said. “But we overcame the odds and worked as a unit to go 4-0 and win.”

After four consecutive wins, Millman’s group, going by the name Team Coby, won the championship, sealing their victory by receiving tournament championship t-shirts made by the Cat Pride organization.  

School events like these bring the DHS student body together to bond over things not related to schoolwork.

“I really enjoyed the positive and friendly energy that the gym was filled with,” Leisten said.

After five years, the dodgeball tournament is still a success, and students continue to look forward to it each upcoming year.