NEWELL—Austin Auditorium at Newell High School was the site of an epic showdown on the evening of January 17, as the area’s first responders faced off for bragging rights in the annual Dodgeball Tournament. Teams of six battled it out in an intense three minutes of dodgeball with rubber balls flying around the gym in a frantic attempt to eliminate players from the opposing side.
For the first time ever, Newell Fire came out on top, claiming the Wrench, the coveted winner’s trophy. In the Championship round, they faced last year’s winner, Butte Volunteer Fire, in a showdown that required tiebreakers in double overtime to decide a victor.
Both teams managed to stay alive for the entire three minutes of the first round, bringing the Championship round to an end with a tie.
For every tiebreaker this year, a coin was flipped, and whoever won the toss was able to choose the tiebreaker they wanted—tug of war or free throws.
The same format was used for the final round. Free throws was the chosen Championship tiebreaker. Each member of the team had the opportunity to shoot the ball two times, keeping track of each basket made. At the end of the round, Butte Fire had four points and Newell Fire had four points, forcing the Championship round into double overtime.
This time, each of the participating first responder teams was asked to vote on what they wanted to see for a tiebreaker, tug of war or free throws. Overwhelmingly, the choice was free throws.
Once again, each team lined up to make as many baskets as possible for their team. In the end, Newell Fire scored two baskets and Butte Fire made one, bringing the Championship round to a conclusion and crowning a new champion.
The tournament started with pool play, as each of the teams battled each other. After a break, the wins and losses were counted and the final brackets were made. Participating first responders were: Belle Fourche Fire, Castle Rock Fire, Belle Fourche Ambulance, Newell Fire, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Newell Ambulance, Nisland-Arpan Fire, Butte Fire and Vale Fire.
Concessions were provided by Nisland-Arpan Volunteer Fire and Rescue Auxiliary. Walking tacos, walking desserts and bottled water were on the menu.
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