Spikeball doesn’t wait for spring (and neither should you)

Deacon Tuttle Staff Reporter

Whirling winds, freshly bladed grass, and a wide-open expanse: all of these elements come together in CWU’s Spikeball club.

For those not initiated, the official Spikeball website describes the game as, “The sport of roundnet, also known as ‘that yellow trampoline game,’ also known as ‘if volleyball and foursquare had a baby.’”

Bryce Jaco, a junior in business administration and CWU Spikeball club founder, said he is passionate about introducing people to the game. Even if you have no background playing sports, Jaco encouraged people to come and participate.

“Just come out and talk to some people and play. It’s a very low cost and investment of entry,” Jaco said. “It’s a fun new game to learn and a lot was good,” Jaco said. “We’re going to go to at least two this spring, one of them being the spring sectional and then another one being a smaller local [tournament].”

According to Jaco, Spikeball is appealing for the competition it has provided him long past high school sports but more importantly, its unique culture.

“With Spikeball being such a niche thing, most people don’t really have egos, they just want to see people get better,” Jaco said.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m., the club practices using the McIntyre Music Building lawn and has casual pick-up-and-play days. However, there’s also a competitive environment too, if that’s of interest.

According to Jaco, even though the club is small, they have the opportunity to compete against schools such as University of Washington (UW), University of Oregon (UO) and Whitworth University.

UW held a tournament last fall and shortly the spring events will be inbound.

Ethan Cook, a sophomore in business, has been an active member of the club since its inception last spring, and is currently sticking it out through the winter conditions.

“While we’re waiting for the spring, our numbers are a little bit down,” Cook said. “Usually a lot of our members like to stack up on credits during this time because they’re stuck inside anyways.”

However, Cook said he’s motivated to keep pushing through for his friends and the fun that goes on at practice. Whether it’s in scrimmages or drills, he said there’s always something to improve on.

“It gets really active and when you get a good rally going, it’s really hard - ing like that,” Cook said.

For beginners, Cook recommended taking things slower than he did when he first started, which involves learning the basics of the sport.

“There’s no point in trying to rush into all the crazy serves,” Cook said. “Once you get a little more specialized, then you can move into the really crazy stuff that you see Bryce doing out there.”

The CWU Spikeball club anticipates a return to form after everyone has finished their extra-credit loads and survived the chilled grass, hoping for new members with tournament aspirations.

For more information about the Spikeball club, visit their page on the Recreation Center’s website, or follow their Instagram @CWUSpikes.

CWU Athletics declares 2023 Hall of Fame inductees

Isaac Hinson Sports Editor

70 points. Before Sunday, seven players had hit that mark in NBA history. Damian Lillard made that eight on Sunday vs. the Houston Rockets. His 71-point masterclass in Portland was the most efficient 70 point game in history, and led the Blazers to an incredibly important dub over a team they should beat. Is it sad it took a historic game from Lillard to beat the worst team in the league without two of their best players: Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.? Yes. But, a dub is a dub. And the Blazers look ahead to a very important game against the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans tonight.

The mad-genius of the Play-In Tournament is finally paying off for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Every team besides the Hornets, Spurs, Rockets and Pistons are still trying to make a push for the tournament, when in years past half the teams in the league would be tanking at this point in the season.

Meanwhile, the Mariners continue their spring training down in Arizona. In what is a truly important development, Jarred Kelenic is looking like an MLB player. In an increasingly stacked American League, the Mariners will take any progress they can get from the roster they’re locked into.

Dominating the diamond: CWU softball’s strong start to the season

Tre’Jon Henderson Staff Reporter

The CWU softball team has started off their season with displays of skill and determination. The ladies opened their season strong, winning their last three games, two of which were against Corban University and another win against Cal State.

The team’s success may be attributed to their hard work. They have put in countless hours of practice and preparation, both on and off the field, to be ready for the challenges that come with competing at a prominent level, according to head coach Joe DiPierto.

“We have built a family bond on our team by holding each other accountable and challenging each other on and off the field,” senior infielder Serena Perez said. “Our greatest strength this year is fortitude. We have overcome so much adversity and have so much in a positive manner.”

The team had their fair share of adversity even before the season started. Sometimes the team would question where they were going to practice, and whether they were even going to practice.

Senior pitcher Isabel Womack said, “We have had to overcome lots of craziness this winter trying to find a place to practice, from our gear burning down in the original practice spot, to practicing until 11 p.m. or in low temperatures on the turf field.’’

The team’s prosperity is a result of their ability to work together as a cohesive unit. The ladies pride themselves on their connection with one another on and off the field.

‘’They communicate effectively on the field, support one another through both victories and defeats, and have a keen sense of team spirit and camaraderie,” Head Coach Joe DiPierto said. “This year’s team was built with depth, with each player having their own role.”

Miyah Seaton said. “Girls who do not play certain games know they always have a role and are not afraid to help players adjust mid-