Leading into Nationals, we look to spotlight as many teams as we can in hopes of shining a bright light on standouts from participating teams. These glow-ups include up to 2 of each team’s standout rookies as well as a handful of core contributing players that have gotten their respective team to where they are going into the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association’s annual finale. Lastly, we get a glance into each participating team’s mindset and expectations going into Nationals.
Spartans’ Rookie Spotlight
“Alec Deen is one of the front-runners for Rookie of the Year. This is no surprise because just like MSU’s last rookie of the year (Barry Butler III) he burst onto the scene with an absolute rocket of an arm. Since then, Deen has had time to sharpen the other parts of his game; catching, placement on his throws, and his IQ is one of the best on MSU’s roster. He is the perfect fit for a young MSU team. If you are across from him, watch out. Deen is ready to do whatever he can to help make a deep run for the Spartans.” – Josh Kramer
“Jon is one of the leading candidates for rookie of the year. He is the dodgeball equivalent of a five tool player with an elite arm, speed, hands, IQ, and durability. His cannon of an arm demolishes any unsuspecting foe and fits perfectly with MSU’s “run and gun” offense. His ability to make clutch catches has been present all season and was a pivotal part in MSU’s win at MDC. Look for Jon to be a key player in MSU’s run at a national championship.” – Alec Deen
Key Contributors for the Spartans
“Barry is the epitome of what MVP stands for. Most Valuable Player. I can guarantee any team is significantly better with him running point. Everyone talks about his court presence for a reason. He has this aura whenever he is on the court that I really havent seen matched by anyone this year. Not only does he have one of the strongest arms, but his throws are extremely accurate and explosive. I could compare him to a cannon being fired when he takes off for a kill. His arm never shadows his catching ability which is one of the best in the league. My success this year wouldn’t be without our court leader. He allows me to excel on the left side of the court. Barry leads this team and has proved in my opinion why he deserves to be the most valuable player.” – Jack Girling
“Assistant Captain, All-Star, MVP hopeful, and “cutest player in the NCDA”, are only a few accolades earned by Jack Girling. For those that don’t already know, Jack is an extremely difficult player to get out. That, combined with how surgical he is with his ball placement, spells trouble for the players on the opposite baseline. Highly touted for his “beautiful crosses”, Jack’s accuracy, hands, and game IQ, are all reasons he has stapled himself as a serious MVP contender this season. No players’ shoes are safe when 14 has a ball in hand. Girling will be a vital piece to this Spartans team as they plan to go back to East Lansing as champions.” – Barry Butler III
“Josh Kramer is an incredible leader and role model for every player on MSU’s team. As head captain he truly shines most when he is able to swing momentum for the team and provide amazing plays and play calls. Whilst he does not typically play middle, his presence is felt through the whole court, especially on the opponents side as they know he will catch their throws. Josh is a playmaker worthy of All-American status. A fantastic guy both on and off the court, no better choice for MSU’s head captain.” – Ethan Roahrig
“DQ is always the loudest voice on and off the court, he makes sure everyone is in unison. DQ has a talent for capitalizing on his opponent’s mistake whether it’s a bad throw or over-extending. DQ is a strong and experienced leader for MSU, he always has something to raise the spirits of the team to get the hyped whether it’s a big catches that swings the energy of a point or a speech to start the match.” – Ben Hackman
“Every arts and crafts project has glue that holds it together. Ethan is the glue to this arts and craft team. He works tirelessly behind the scenes off the court making sure that everything is in order so that we may be a club and have a place to practice. On the court, he brings up the downed heads whether in practice or in games. He speaks words of encouragement to keep heads up when things aren’t going well while pointing out things that needs to be worked on. He believes in this team and what we have to offer, and as a result, the team walks with fire in our steps – eager, hungry, and ready to win.” – DQ McClean
Mindset for Nationals – The Whole Team
MSU -vs- EVERYBODY