By: Kyle Reinke
Erik Zander was Co-Baller of the Year. He earned this reward with his offensive capabilities, elite blocking technique, and leadership qualities. Erik’s grip throw was precise and an out getting throw. Erik’s finesse blocking skills made him a force to be reckoned with in the NCDA. Erik was also a leader on and off the court and was always out their teaching younger players. Erik was the best player in the midway region in his final season as a player for UWP. Here are Erik thoughts about receiving Co-Baller of the year.
Q: How does it feel to win this award?
A: It is awesome, a lot of good players have won it over the years and it feels good to be included in that same category. It is nice that my teammates consider me as valuable on the court as they do my brother.
Q: What is your goal for the team next year as you hang up your jersey and take over as coach?
A: With school being done, I will be able to find more time to develop the younger players talents to be able to compete with the higher ranked teams. I want to help take the team to the next level and show the league that UWP can compete with anyone.
Q: What is your favorite Dodgeball Tournament that you participated in your career?
A: I would have to say going to any tournament in Michigan, I got a chance to play against the best teams and best players and we always seemed to be able to play some tough points against them.
Q: What is your favorite memory and part of dodgeball?
A: My favorite memory would have to be traveling to VCU for the national dodgeball tournament. It was a new place that I have never been to and even though the drive was 17 hours long it made for some great memories. The best part about dodgeball is getting to meet the players on the various teams and the travel to and from tournaments, hanging out with people that loved the sport always led to a good time.
Q: Who was your favorite person to get out at dodgeball? Why?
A: My favorite person to get out on the court was Matt Bautch, it was never easy and it was always fun to 1v1 him. I just always hoped that after I threw, he would miss from close range.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time in graduate studies or college?
A: Some of my favorite memories have been when at our home tournaments and the alumni come back to play. It is great to see old faces and people that came before my time.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
A: I think I would like to go to New Zealand because it seems like an interesting country and Washington D.C. to see the White House and Capital as there is a lot of history in those two buildings.
Q: If you could choose any person in the NCDA to be your teammate, who would it be?
A: If I could choose anyone from Platteville it would be my brother and Matt Bautch as we have always had good chemistry and have fun playing the sport. Someone from around the league I would have to say Dylan Fetting and Zigmas Maloni as they both play the game the way it should be and know how to strategize.
Q: What would be your dream car, concert and etc.?
A: My dream car would be Dodge Challenger and in terms of concerts I would have to say seeing a Nickelback or Daughtry concert would be cool.