THE VERITAS
3-2-1. . . DODGEBALL!
March 8, 2019
Covenant Christian High School
Tiny News Issue 3
Photo courtesy of Rich Unland Photography Article byJerusha Long (‘20) We’ve all felt it before, “Today… we play dodgeball.” Your knees begin to shake as you see the faces of the enemy across the line. Obviously, our brother nerds are standing there beside us, looking at the impending doom of the rubber spheres set before us. Although we might feel the fear of being smashed by dodgeballs, we can only imagine how African tribes felt 200 years ago when they played the first known version of dodgeball. Dr James H. Carlisle, a missionary in Africa in the 1800’s, witnessed the first dodgeball game. The game that is today played for “fun” was deadly for the tribes. Dodgeball originated from warriors practicing their agility, ruthlessness, and teamwork by hurling rocks at each other. This game was practiced to intensify their skills, and when a teammate was injured, the rest of the team would gather around them with rocks of their own to defend them from the opposing tribe. James found much interest in this, and when he returned to England he portrayed the game to his peers. Many scoffed and decided that they just didn’t have the stuff to throw and dodge accurately. But, when he began teaching at St. Mary’s College, he
was able to incorporate the tradition into a sport. For safety, they replaced the rocks with tough leather balls that still did plenty of damage, but were not deadly. The teams would compete in a field with no restrictions, causing the game to be prolonged for hours. Also, one could be hit many times but remain in the game until he fell from the force of the ball.
especially Spirit Week traditions. The green, the orange, the red, the blue. The week full of raucous SRT’s. The chanting. The two-girl minimum. The Chik-fil-A giftcards. The thrill. The fear. There he was, Skylar Stone, the last Senior alive. The sophomores, Anna Kegeris and Trey Flatt, are defending their honor alone. Skylar is tossing balls to the sophomores, daring them to take their shot. The entire student body is on their feet, dripping with anticipation. Trey throws the blue ball as Skylar steps aside, using his agility to his advantage. Anna and Trey both have a ball and look at each other in a moment of confidence and pure ruthlessness. They both chuck their balls at the Sky $. One misses as he tries to catch the other, but the red ball bounced off his chest, leaving him eliminated.
This game was played in England for decades, but how did it come to be so popular in America? In 1884, Philip Ferguson, an American, saw this game and decided to make the game more efficient by having shorter games. He is the man who put boundaries on the field and put teams on opposite sides with a line in the middle. The official rules were created in 1905, including: (1) one hit and you’re out, (2) players come back in after a catch, and (3) no stepping out of bounds while dodging. The crowd cannot believe it, waves of orange flood the court as the sophomores run to their team. The That is how the popular game came to be about. But, Seniors stare blankly, for they cannot comprehend St. Mary’s college can still be seen every four years the madness that has just taken place. The mighty playing against Yale with the classic freestyle rules seniors had fallen, and the Sophomores stand triumthe school began with to keep the tradition alive. phant. Looking like little oranges, the sophomores cannot contain their excitement. The game is over. Traditions are just as important here at Covenant— R.I.P.
The Joyous Flower that is Mrs. Towles Article written by Hannah Mossbarger (‘20) with quotes from Covenant students
Dear Mrs. Towles,
You always point out how many times I’ve been late in such a loving way. Whenever I walk in late, you It’s me, student. I just want you to knowhow much ask if I was sick, and if I’m okay or how my appointI truly love and appreciate you, so here is a letter at- ment went. You specifically always make a point to tempting to express my immense gratitude. ask about my mom’s health and tell me that you are praying for her and never make me feel glossed over. You greet everyone with a beautiful smile that can brighten even the dreariest of days and nothing rat- It means so much that you invest in and care about tles you. You handle even the hardest things with the students here at Covenant. Your cheerful attidude joy, and your love for Christ manifests itself through has impacted so many lives, including my own. You your cheerful attitude. have been such a large influence in my life and I truly believe that you use the reality of your position for Your caring heart shows through your daily inter- the best. actions with everyone you come into contact with. I love how kind you are every time I go into the of- Thank you for being a beaming delight each day, for fice because you genuinely care about each of the your good spirit and compassion towards others, for students. You’re always happy to talk to me about telling me to feel better when I go home sick, and for how school is going and never hesitate to ask how taking care of things at our school— especially the I’m doing. Your attentiveness to what is going on in people. I hope you know just how much we love you. my life means so much! All my love, Student
Photo courtesy of Rich Unland Photography