Marines

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A Marine powers up his throw during Headquarters and Service Battalion’s dodgeball tournament Aug. 14 at Barber Physical Activity Center.

Photo by Ameesha Felton

Marines compete in ultimate dodgeball tournament

22 Aug 2014 | Ameesha Felton Marine Corps Base Quantico

A Marine may be able to max his Physical Fitness Test, but in this competitive sport it’s all about those who can accurately hurl a ball without being pummeled.

Headquarters and Service Battalion held its third dodgeball tournament of the year on Aug. 14 at Barber Physical Activity Center. More than 100 Marines within the battalion participated, including 11 teams of six and spectators. Dodgeball is a pastime that has grown in popularity among Marines at Quantico. Past tournaments have drawn more than 200 participants, said Col. Robin Galant, commander at H&S Bn., who was there cheering from the sidelines with Sgt. Maj. Gerald A. Saunders, battalion sergeant major.

Some teams dressed in costumes for the tournament, but all had their own take on what makes a winning squad.

"The key is to dodge, dip, duck, dive and dodge," said Cpl. Jacob Hehl, cyber network specialist, Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center. "It’s all about quickness for the most part and good hand-eye coordination."

Hehl’s team, named "The Dodgefathers," donned tuxedo-printed T-shirts. Cheers could be heard from the bleachers as dodgeballs smacked into players.

Johnnie Bess, Marine Corps Community Services area coordinator for H&S Bn., said the idea of making the game a tournament originated from a young Marine, but it’s their intent to keep it a reoccurring event, every three months.

"This gives Marines a great opportunity to break away from the day-to-day routine to come out and have some fun," Bess said.

The tournament is a way for Marines to scratch their competitive itches and foster community among their fellow service members.

"I love being able to come together with everyone," Hehl said. "It’s a way to build camaraderie, get out of work and see each other in more sociable events."


Marine Corps Base Quantico