Yes, September ended many weeks ago, but the content team decided that since we have a baller of the month, it is only right that the many rookies in our league get acknowledgement for their immediate contribution to their respectful teams this season. Our first rookie of the month comes from a team that seems to lose lots of talent year after year, but never struggles to be a title contender. Saginaw Valley State University has a knack for recruiting great players and inserting them immediately into their line-up and that is exactly what they have done with Kyle Bruce. Since Kyle is a rookie and has only played a handful of games, he has yet to have a picture taken of him playing dodgeball, so if you want to know what he looks like then you will have to meet him at a tournament or simply look him up on Facebook.
Here is my conversation with the rookie:
Jacob Leski: Kyle, congratulations on being selected this years first rookie of the month, how does it feel and how did you find out about dodgeball at SVSU?
Kyle Bruce: I’m really excited about being selected as rookie of the month. It feels like an honor after playing in a tournament for the first time and seeing the talent level of some of the other players. Also I would like to thank the people that nominated me for this award! I found out about SVSU dodgeball by attending a club sports meeting at Saginaw and taking interest in the sport. At first I had no idea what to expect when joining the team, but I found out real quick that the game is very intense and fast moving.
JL: What’s it been like playing for a feisty team like Saginaw and personally, what has been your biggest obstacle so far this season?
KB: I have a lot of fun honestly playing for Saginaw because the team is filled with great personalities and with people who really want to compete. So far this season my biggest obstacle is learning how the game is played and the strategy behind it. I have picked up on it pretty quick, but there is still somethings I am learning with the help of our captains.
JL: What has kept your interest in sticking with SVSU’s team?
KB: I will be sticking with the team because for one thing I have a lot of fun playing with them and also there’s lot of potential with us. We have a lot of talented re-turning players as well as a lot of new guys that will get better as the season goes on.
JL: As a team, what is your goal for the season?
KB: Our goal for the season is to play together as a team at each of these tournaments and to best prepare ourselves for nationals while having a good time.
This young man clearly has a love for the game, which is always great to see as we try to expand this league year to year. With his determination and hard work, I highly expect Kyle will be an All-American in the near future. Good luck to Kyle and SVSU as they look to win their second national championship.
Someone get a photo of this man!