Champions at Last!

In our annual pre-Thanksgiving tradition, we spent the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving at the Spanish Fork Dodgeball Tournament. We were a little nervous that they were going to cancel it because the "Storm of the Century" was supposed to hit that night. (Thankfully it missed Spanish Fork and didn't quit live up to its billing.) The storm outside held off, but inside there was a flurry of dodgeballs and dodging men!
The pre-game strategizing was the beginning of great things. (Although it could have actually been a discussion of who got to sit out first. The old guys seemed to fight over that more than they did over who got to play!)
The guys hit the ground running and didn't slow down all night. This was the beginning of a great (and long) night!
However, the old men definitely feel all of that exercise the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that!
Every now and then, the line waiting to get back in the game got pretty long. But, they adhered to the old wisdom, "never give up, never surrender" and eventually advanced out of pool play.
While waiting for the rest of the tournament to begin, the youngsters decided it was their turn. I think it started as girls on boys, I'm not sure how they justified that, but they didn't seem to care!
I guess if Emily hides far enough back, they can't hit her and the girls will never lose!
One day Cole, you too can join the Bengay Brigade!
The Bengay Brigade continued to play well and eventually made it to the championship game.
Before the championship game, they had a meeting of the minds, or at least a meeting to tell them, "it's only a game". Like that worked! (And yes, the team they are playing looks significantly younger and they have uniforms!)
And they're off!
Chad had to recruit some younger guys to help his team compete. Thankfully the nephews are in high school and eligible to play. Kalin and Colton both proved themselves worthy! (And they inspired Kevin to turn in his best performance in years so as not to be shown up by his sons!) Although it should be noted that it was one of the old guys on the team who recorded the winning shot!
Game, set, match! We are the champions!
It was a long night (it always lasts way longer than I expect), but it was well worth it!
For the winners, a giant sub sandwich, a 12-pack of Mountain Dew (they probably needed that several hours before!), and a t-shirt. Who knew winning was so rewarding?!
And for the young fans, a trip home to bed!
Tune in next year to see if they can defend their title!