These Baller and Rookie of the Month awards are not only about recognizing certain players, but also celebrating how far they have come since the start of the season. Both Nick and Zach have been leaders on the court, calling out plays and providing coverage when needed. It is a pleasure to watch these two play and I am sure they are going to do phenomenal in nationals… Which is this weekend!
Nick is a 2nd-year dodgeball player and also Vice President of the Dodgeball Club. Besides dodgeball, Nick likes to play his trombone in the Marching Pioneers and Pep Band. He was previously an Engineering Physics major, but plans on switching to Mechanical Engineering next year due to a change in interests.
- I know you’re in the Marching Pioneers. What instrument do you play and what instrument would you play if you had the time?
I play the trombone and since I am biased to bass clef, I think learning the tuba would be fun.
- What has been your favorite tournament this far and what made it special?
My favorite tournament has to be either last year’s nationals because it was my first nationals or the War in Akron this year because of how well we played as a team against Akron, and I also had some good catches in that game.
- How has being on the board as VP changed your feelings towards the club?
Being on the board has shown me the extra work and dedication that our president, coach, and captains put in to make our club run smoothly. Seeing them want the best for the club motivates me to be the best player I can be.
- What is the number one thing we need to change before going to nationals?
The biggest thing we need to improve upon are the fundamentals. As a team, if we can block, catch, counter, etc. properly we will be an unstoppable force. We are a good team, but perfect those basics and we’ll be competing with top teams.
Zach is a freshman software engineering major from Wisconsin Dells. He has grown as both a dodgeball player, but also as a team leader this season. Zach was also awarded Rookie of the Month in December.
- You were awarded ROTM last semester as well, what’s changed since then?
I’ve put more time into getting better and focused more on the mechanics of the game rather than the game itself.
- What are you looking forward to doing now that weather is nicer?
I’m looking forward to outdoor runs to help endurance.
- Any summer plans?
I plan on taking a summer course to get ahead, along with RA training for my new position next year.
- What’s the biggest thing we need to change before going to nationals?
Our teamwork needs to be more cohesive along with much better court awareness.
