It’s that time of the month again… not what you’re thinking silly, it’s Baller of the Month time! UWP Dodgeball is proud to choose Caleb Newell as October’s Baller of the Month. Caleb, otherwise known as Noochie, is pursuing Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, and a Spanish Minor. Like last month’s baller, Caleb is a new UWP Dodgeball recruit, but is showing quick understanding of the sport and its mechanics; this is largely in part due to his 10+ years baseball experience. See below for some of Caleb’s thought on the team and his personal life.
How does it feel being awarded Baller of the Month? Don’t hold back.
It’s truly an honor. I’m happy that the team has chosen me as the Baller of the month. With that being said, I do feel that its justified. I’ve come into the club with 10+ serious years of baseball experience which has allowed me to establish myself as one of the best throwers on our team. This ability has allowed me to help our rookies that may not have that edge to their game yet. The part I attribute my success to the most is my sports IQ, whether that be timing, awareness, agility, etc. Sports were a big part of my life prior to college, I’m just glad I can ‘dust off the cobwebs’ so to speak and compete.
Who are your favorite teammates in the club?
I have a handful. I’ll start with the ‘vets’ they follow as such: JT, Chad, Jared, Eli, and Seth. They have been very welcoming and helped me a ton when it came to getting me up to speed. My favorite rookies would have to be Muddy (Joe), Alex, Jack, Jalen, and Nicholas S. They’ve shown up with so much enthusiasm at every practice and it really helps all the rookies feel comfortable.
What makes you get up every morning?
Well…. besides my old bell style alarm clock, my wonderful girlfriend, and my crippling caffeine addiction. The thing that makes me wake up every morning is my drive to be successful. I have so many goals in life and failure isn’t an option. It never has been. College is just another notch on the belt.
Where is your favorite place to go in Platteville?
My favorite place to go in Platteville is down by the Rountree Branch. I like to go there because the sound of the running water is relaxing and is great for de-stressing and grounding myself. This is especially true after a couple rough weeks in school. For fun I usually always tell people to go to the ‘M’ mound.
Why did you join the club?
I joined the club because I’ve been itching for competition. I’m a very competitive person and I cannot stand losing in any aspect of life. Playing in intramurals was fun for a little bit but it got increasingly hard to count on people to show up or they if they did, they just wanted to play for fun. I can have fun, but I still want to win. However, the true catalyst to me joining was JT. JT and I met through work, and he mentioned that he was the president of the club. He told me about a memorial tournament they were having in the summer, and that I should come give it a try. The rest is history.
Would you like to give thanks to anybody, whether it be a role model or someone that’s always been there for you?
I would like to thank those close to me, family first. Mom, Dad, Riley, your unwavering support is why I’ve made it to where I am today. You guys have always pushed me to be the best I can. Some examples include but are not limited to: our countless car rides to tournaments far and wide, the sleepless nights you guys have pulled to provide for Riley and I, giving up your twenties to show me what being a family is all about, and lastly supporting me through by educational endeavors. I cannot wait to until the day where I can support you.
To my close friends, you know who you are. Thank you, many of you have seen me go through a rollercoaster of emotions over the past year and a half. I’m beyond grateful that I could have a group of friends that allowed me to express myself during my times of need. I cannot thank you enough.
Is there anything else you wish to share?
I would just like to thank to the dodgeball team. It has been great to be able to feel that comradery of a team again. I never realized how much I missed it. Although I’m sad that it has taken me until now to find and join the club, you better believe that I am going to give you my all until the final whistle blows. Let’s go out and have a great year and show the NCDA why Platteville is a club to be taken seriously.
