What’s poppin’ P-Vegas, it’s your favorite Dodgeball Content Writer coming back at you again with a Baller of the Month Award. Joe (Muddy) Bullock is a freshman engineering physics major who is new to the sport. He just joined the club this Fall and has already climbed the ranks and is showing exceptional dodgeball skill regardless of being a newbie. Muddy’s willingness to learn the ins-and-outs of the sport, as well as his commitment to his peers are the primary reason why he was voted September Baller of the Month. See Muddy’s responses below to hear his thoughts on the club.
- How does it feel being superior to each and every UWP Dodgeball member? As for how it feels to be the most superior player on the court, it feels great! It’s nice that I can give some of the players like Casey and Jack a good role model to look up to! I like being an inspiration to them on the court so that maybe one day they can come close to my level of expertise!
- Is there anyone out there that you’d like to thank? There are a lot of people I would like to thank. Of course, my family for giving me the tools to come to campus as well as my friends. But of course, I must thank the team. The team has really given me a place I can feel at home while at campus. I can go to dodgeball knowing I’ll fit in and feel good while I’m there. Every day when I go to practice, I’m greeted with a “Hey Muddy!” and just like that my day is one hundred times better. I feel at home with the team and that’s something I can’t go without thanking them for.
- Is this your first-time playing dodgeball with rubber balls? This is my first time playing competitive dodgeball and my first time using rubber balls. As soon as I saw the rubber ball, I could hear the iconic sound of a kickball hitting my face, and I did get hit in the face many times. The rubber can really sting sometimes, but that is just part of the game!
- What is the hardest part of the game (tournament rules) for you? The hardest part of dodgeball isn’t the technique or timing, but the court awareness. Court awareness is knowing what’s always going on at every corner of the court. From watching for cross throws to understanding court rules to analyzing ball control, court awareness takes a lot of time and practice to master. I am very lucky to have a great coach and a fantastic team to help me!
- What is your greatest fear? The final question is one I had to think about. What is my greatest fear. I have to say when it comes to my greatest fear, centipedes are spooky.
- Is there anything you’d like to share to the team? Last thing I want to say to the team: Thank you all so much for giving me such a fun place to go. I always look forward to practice and hanging out with the team! It is such a fun environment and group. I feel so lucky to be a part of it. From the first day I met Casey, Eric, and JT at a recruitment table up till now, I have never thought twice about how awesome it has been to be a part of the community. Everyone has been so nice to me and so inspirational about pushing myself too always be better. Not only has it helped my ability on the court but in overall life as well. I always know that when I need a place to de stress and have fun, dodgeball is the place to be. For all the good times, all the fun we’ve had. All the jokes and making fun of each other. Everything this team has done. It has all been such a great experience. So, thank you team for letting me join you and be part of the great UWP dodgeball team!
