Members of Imperial’s first place team were, from left, Skip Kelley, Wade Courter, Doug Wright, Kelsey Weiss, Greg Dannatt and Trevor Confer, representing the Lamar department. (Johnson Publications photo)
In one of the preliminary rounds, Josh Moreno, competing on the Imperial #2 team, hurls the ball at the opposing team. (Johnson Publications photo)
Dodgeball tourney challenges five teams of area firefighters
In the first of what could be more of them in future years, the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) hosted a firefighter dodgeball tournament Saturday.
Teams from Grant, Madrid and Yuma, Colo., joined two from Imperial in the dodgeball battle at Chase County School’s new auxiliary gym. Teams of six competed in full firefighter gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, adding an estimated 40 pounds to the task.
Imperial firefighter Skip Kelley, who helped coordinate the event, said, for the first time here, it went well.
“We organized it to try to get together with other departments, meet them and do something fun outside of the fire grounds,” he said.
He believes that goal was met.
The double-elimination bracketed tournament had teams face off in best two out of three match play in the preliminary rounds.
In the finals, the overall winner was determined in a best three out of five format.
In the end, Imperial #1 took the title, defeating Madrid in the finals. However, it took five rounds to determine the winner.
Making up Imperial’s first place team were Skip Kelley, Wade Courter, Doug Wright, Kelsey Weiss, Greg Dannatt and Trevor Confer of the Lamar Volunteer Department.
Madrid’s second place team was comprised of Pat Aerni, Stacy Lee, Matthew Aerni, Josh Harms, Mike Lee and Trent Harger.
Grant placed third, Yuma was fourth and Imperial #2 finished fifth.
Competing on the Imperial #2 team were Josh Moreno, Todd Courter, Fay Hiykel, Aaron Greene, Jake Burke and Josh Burke.
The top three teams received plaques, while last place earned a plunger. Imperial’s fifth place team “donated” the plunger to Yuma.
Teams also received cash prices. According to IVFD treasurer Jake Burke, the original plan was to share the gate and concession proceeds between all five teams.
However, the two Imperial teams donated their winnings to the other three, resulting in each visiting team returning home with $100.