Life Lessons from Intramurals

Intramural dodgeball is intense. People from all over campus (and off-campus) come together to throw dodgeballs at each other for a half an hour, and it is a sight to be seen.

My team this year is pretty good and only have one loss so far (we only lost by one point that game). I am on a team with a bunch of other guys from my wing (3rd East Wengatz). For many of us, this is our forth year playing together, so it's extra special.

Working as a team and playing smart is sometimes difficult in dodgeball because of its individual appeal and glory. My self-designated role whenever I play dodgeball is to play conservatively at first in order to stay in the game for when things really matter. I avoid high risk throws and vulnerable positions to give myself the best chance for survival. There are always a few guys who start out too aggressive and predictably they get out early and aren't much help to their team in the end.

My favorite thing is to be one of the final guys on the court staring down the opponent, that's why I do what I do. This is when I thrive in dodgeball and feel my best when the heat is on. Now I may not be the best dodgeball player in the world (although I would consider myself above-average in both throwing abilities and catching), but I hold my own and like to be in control of the game.

Scoring in intramural dodgeball is based on time. If the winner wins quickly, they get more points than if the game is stretched out.

In our past couple of games we have gone down to the wire in several matches with each team down to one person. I have confidence when I am in times like these because I mentally know what needs to be done and I try my best to do it. It doesn't always mean victory, but more times than not things turn out the way I want.

The mental aspect of sports is huge, just ask Yogi Berra. He's the one who said, "Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical."

Good quote. Mentally knowing what you need to do in any situation helps you get things and succeed. This is true in the world of academia, sports, and our relationship with Christ.

It may be thrilling to run up to the middle for a really close range throw, but if you're just going to be pegged by the other team, it's not worth it.

This dodgeball example is obviously not perfect; don't wait until the end of life to be aggressive and give your all. Considering danger and looking ahead to the future is something Christians need to be doing.

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 2 Corintians 4:18 says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

It's funny how God many times uses the little times in life to teach us, even dodgeball.