December 2023 Rookie of the Month- Dylan Taylor

Freshman #17

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Dylan Taylor. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

I am glad to be voted ROTM. I have been working hard during practice and the tournament.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I am planning on making it to the skills practices this coming semester.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I have enjoyed playing so far; it is fun and always a great time during practices. 

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I want to improve my blocking skills this next semester. 

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

To become a better thrower, not just because of my speed and power in my throw but with my aim. I also want to help the team be more comfortable with each other so practices don’t have to be so drill-oriented. 

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

We may just be a bunch of band kids and nerds, but we make a great team. 

November ROTM 2023- Eric Sullivan

Freshman #18

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Eric Sullivan. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

Wow that’s cool! I feel honored.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I do plan on continuing to push forward and using the veteran’s knowledge and experience to help me become a better player.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I love dodgeball and I’m glad I joined the team this year.

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I plan on improving all my skills but really focus on my blocking.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

My goals for the remainder of the season are to let my broken finger heal and work on my throw.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to everyone on the team for coming to practice and making dodgeball fun and exciting!

Congrats again to Eric Sullivan! We look forward to seeing who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

November BOTM 2023- Eli Huntley

Senior #8

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is senior Eli Huntley. Here’s what he had to say:

1. How do you feel about getting baller of the month?

It feels good to have my level of play noticed by my teammates. It’s nice to know that they see the effort that I am putting into the team.

2. What are your plans for the future?

Since I will be graduating in 1 week, I won’t be able to play the remainder of the season, but I plan to play in the NDA over the summer.

3. What will you miss most about the sport?

I will miss hanging out with all the guys/girl at practices as well as in the hotels during away tournaments.

4. What are your goals that you want to see accomplished in the remainder of the season?

I want to see the team have a record above .500 for the spring semester.

5. How have you felt about the season so far?

The season so far is a little disappointing. I think with the team that we had we should have done a lot better. I think with a little more practice and discipline, this team can win games.

6. Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to the team for keeping me busy my last semester on the court. Roll Neers.

Congratulations again to Eli on getting the November Baller of the Month award! Eli graduates in December 2023 and plans to join the NDA. As a club we will miss him dearly and the work and time that he has put into the organization doesn’t go unnoticed. Go ‘Neers!

September 2023 Rookie of the Month- Bryden Hundt

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Bryden Hundt. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: How do you feel about receiving the ROTM award?

A: Honestly, shocked, I was not expecting to get the award.

Q: How are you planning on continuing going forward?

A: Nothing is going to change. I’m going to do what I do best, continuing to put my best effort into everything I do and improve my skill.

The following are some thoughts from our team captains on Bryden as a player.

Caleb Laux-Bryden has made an impressive showing so far. He is an athlete who puts in a ton of effort to succeed and has shown great development in his skills, especially blocking. I’m looking forward to seeing his progress at the end of the season.

Nicholas Stocks– Bryden is a Freshman this year but do not under estimate how quick he will run up on the opposing team. His speed will be an important part of UWP’s play style this year. He along with the other rookies have been picking up the game well and always eager to learn more.

Congrats again to Bryden Hundt! We look forward to see who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

September 2023 Baller of the Month- Caleb Laux

Photo Credit: Andy McNeill

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is senior Caleb Laux. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: How do you feel about receiving the BOTM award?

A: Glad, but excited to see who else steps it up this season.

Q: How are you planning on continuing going forward?

A: My job this year is to be a leader on the court, getting better at communication and having a presence on the court is where I will gain the most from this year.

The following are some thoughts from our team captains on Caleb as a player.

Tomas Zander– Caleb Laux is developing into quite the leader. His teammates clearly trust him on the court. He leads by example and by being a vocal leader. Laux has also developed his accuracy this last season. When he combines his speed with that accuracy he will become a nightmare for teams.

Nicholas Stocks– At the end of last season, Caleb developed his throw to be one of the best on the team and it has transferred to this season. He will be someone to watch out for on the court because along with a hard throw he can run up quick on a player. He’s also the club’s vice president and has been doing a fantastic work for the club behind the scenes. On and off the court he has been a great guy to play and work with.

Congrats again to Caleb Laux! We look forward to see who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

Baller of the Year Award- Austin Kurey

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner was Austin Kurey. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning the award.

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Most Improved Award- Nicholas Stocks

This award is given to the indivdual that puts in the work and effort to improve and take their game to the next level. They are always looking for ways to get better and want to make an impact on the court. The award is voted on by their teammates and this year’s most improved player is Nicholas Stocks. Let’s take a look at his interview and what he has to say about winning this award!

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Rookie of the Year- Dylan Farby

This is award given to a first year player on the team that has put in a lot of effort and makes an impact on the court. They provide us with throws and catches when it is needed the most. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s rookie of the year is Dylan Fabry. Let’s take a look a the interview below and what he thinks of winning this award!

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Team Impact Award- Eli Huntley

The Team Impact Award is given to the player that always gives it his all on the court and brings the energy regardless of the score. They know how to rally the team and keep the mood light when it is needed. This individual was voted on by their teammates and the winner of this year’s team imapct award is Eli Huntley. Let’s take a look at his interview on how he feels about winning this award!

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Rookie of the Year Josh Zauche

By Kyle Reinke

Josh Zauche is our Rookie of the Year for the past dodgeball season. Josh is a good defensive player that just makes plays. Josh made multiple incredible catches over the season. Josh was an all-around defensive force on the court. Josh’s play put him as a middle tier player during his first season and he is a budding star that could be a dominant force in the future.  He balled out during the first day of nationals making diving catches. Josh is one of the main reasons why UWP had an incredible first day at nationals. He has a developing arm that will make him a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming years. Here are Josh’s thoughts on winning this award.   

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