The long-standing tradition of the Harvard-Westlake Middle School Dodgeball Tournament kicked off on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Teams across all grades compete in a March Madness-style bracket, with one winner earning a coveted plaque in the Hazy Hallway.
Eighth Grade Dean Colby Plath, , has been a primary organizer of the tournament since his second year at the school.
“It’s not a question of when it’s gonna happen,” Plath said. “Students know it will happen eventually, and the anticipation is really great for them.”
The tournament has been a staple for more than a decade, with winners ranging from ninth grade baseball players to teams that have won three consecutive titles.
“Winning two championships as a faculty member was special,” Plath said.
Some past memories of the tournament detailed by Plath included principal Jon Wimbush appearing on SportsCenter one year, and Coach Arroyo and his son became the first father-son team to win
Opening day drew crowds of all grades as students gathered around the outdoor basketball court to watch the first match between the eighth grade boys’ team, Solly and His Sollmates, and the ninth grade girls’ team, the Cynthia Erivos. Sydney Yamaguchi ‘28 was among the spectators.
“The dodgeball tournament is always the most fun thing I get to watch at school, and I finally have something to do during break,” Yamaguchi said.
Students will continue to watch matchups throughout March, culminating in the final game on Thursday, May 8th, which everyone will be excitedly awaiting.
