Gym class. Ahhh. Back in the day, dodgeball was the epitome of classic games in gym class. Dodgeball was the one. At least in our particular grade and throughout elementary school. And beyond. Dodgeball reigned as the game of games. Everyone loved dodgeball. Exercise at its finest. Nothing was more fun.

Opening the gym doors to see the red rubber balls laying on the floor was pure excitement. The standard size red rubber ball. Not the smaller version of today. It was going to be non-stop fun for the duration of class. Run. Duck. Cover. Block. Get a ball, get someone out. Throw it, dodge it, redirect it. Start all over. Aim that ball just right. Nothing was better.

We relished dodgeball. Get the teams set and it was a battle to the end. No matter what, do not get hit! Everyone wanted to be on the winning team. It made it that much more exciting, and get to battle with the best. No glory without extreme effort.

Having a hard fast throw was one key element to getting out opposing players. Then being able to dodge fast throws as well was crucial to being in the game longer. Hence, the name of dodgeball. Win or lose — it still was fun.

If you were hit by a thrown ball, then you had to get out of the game — until the person who got you out was also hit. Then you could re-enter the game again. Watching was itself interesting. To see all the big throws and agile ducking or diving, while waiting for a chance at getting back in the game.

Our favorite was always dodgeball, then a close second was six pin trench, similar to dodgeball. With the goal of knocking out your opponents six pins first in the back of the gym. Before the other team knocked out yours. While the dodgeball game basically happened simultaneously. This game ultimately became a favorite as well. Strategy, skill, and team work made this game successful. Our gym class loved dodgeball in every way.

We would have random comparable captains occasionally that would pick out their teams. Alternating picks. Otherwise, it was a simple rotating of one or two’s counting off the whole class in a straight line for teams.

Anticipation and adrenaline building as the teams were being selected. Either way, we always had a great time. We sure had a lot of athletic and passionate classmates back in the day. Making it much more fun.

Staying in the game as long as possible was my goal, and, overall either being the last team standing or last player in for classic dodgeball. Being totally hit in the face with the dodgeball was inevitable. But you learned the sting fades fairly quickly.

The game goes on. At least if you caught the ball by some miracle. Either way, the game continues. Everyone loved dodgeball. And, everyone competed to be the dodgeball king or queen.

Once the whistle blew it was the race to the center of the gym for the chance to get a ball before they were all taken. And, then the battle was on. Everyone ducking or throwing or running. Offense or defense.

Everything happening all at once. It was important to multi-task. Where were all the balls? And, more importantly how to get a ball as soon as possible.

Some would be aggressive, and some would try to lay low. At least as much as possible. Knowing when to catch a ball or dodge it. Duck or pass. Anything to survive the game. It was the highlight of our school day. Dodgeball: nothing could compare.

Our gym teacher definitely noticed that we all loved to play dodgeball. Being able to play this during the day felt great after sitting at our desks for most of the school day. It was dodgeball!

Teams were constantly changing up depending on the day. So, it kept a great competitive atmosphere to the game too. And, fun. We sure had a ton of fun and loads of exercise.

Whenever our class was able to play dodgeball, we all got right to setting teams. There was no wasted time. We wanted to squeeze in as many games as possible. Racing each time to start a new game as soon as a game finished. Time was of the essence. More than winning, it was simply fun competing.

Being dodgeball king or queen was a highlight. Albeit, a short-lived one, as there were many games. There was always a new last man standing. Then it was victory. Everyone else was out. Except for you.

The newest dodgeball king — or queen. Everyone watching the grand finale from the sidelines. Game over. Time to race the clock for another. Until that whistle blows. What a game. Dodgeball was our class favorite. We lived for it. Especially in the middle of long cold winter’s up here.

Being the ultimate dodgeball king or queen is the goal. Yet, there were no accolades. No trophy. No real recognition. A momentary acknowledgement. Last player standing.

Knowing what it took to get there. And for that moment … I was the Dodgeball king!