Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Local organizations and businesses soon will be teaming up to raise money for the Kosciusko County United Way in a very unusual fashion.
To make the most of playground balls and competitive spirit, the Bowen Center invited 16 corporate teams to play in a dodgeball tournament for the United Way's benefit.
On Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m., teams will compete in the Harrison Elementary gymnasium for Warsaw dodgeball bragging rights.
And why dodgeball?
"The first question that comes to my mind is, 'Why not dodgeball?'" Tim Nussbaum, Bowen Center corporate service director, said. "When was the last time the entire town got together to play dodgeball for a night?"
The event is open to the public with a $1 fee for admission. WRSW 107.3 F.M. will cover the play-by-play of each game and will interview players and spectators throughout the evening.
Other activities during the event will be a "hit-the-mascot" challenge, where participants can pay $1 to throw dodgeballs at the Bowen Center's mascot, Argo the Dog, and a "dodgeball radar gun" which will clock speeds of throws.
Awards for the night will go to the winners of the tournament, the best dressed team and "big hit awards," which will be honored to the thrower and the one struck.
"To spice things up," Nussbaum said he will have "hired guns" available for all teams interested. Kosciusko County Mustang quarterbacks David Whitaker and Caleb Gilmer can be bought and used during the first round of play.
Nussbaum plans to pit rival teams against one another in the first round of play, such as Biomet against Zimmer; Warsaw schools against Wawasee schools; and the Times Union against the City of Warsaw.
Gator Skin balls will be used during regulation play. The balls were chosen for the loud noises made during hits without risk of injury.
Games will be limited to five minutes of play, and Nussbaum said most games won't last that long.
"It's going to be quick. It's going to be furious. I'm thinking some games won't last more than 90 seconds."
Though the Bowen Center has not decided whether or not the tournament will be an annual event, Nussbaum said the public reaction already has been great.
"It was to the point where I had more teams wanting to play than I had slots in the tournament. We're going to take a pulse this year and find out how everything goes before we decide for more of these," Nussbaum said. "I could easily see a repeat."
The Bowen Center, a health care service specializing in counseling and rehabilitation, has become a Pacesetter for the United Way.
"This will be a great stress relief for everyone who can make it out," Nussbaum said. "A great time will be had for a good cause."
