The Debate and Model UN Teams Settle a Friendly Rivalry through an Intense Dodgeball Tournament
Given the activities’ somewhat similar nature, the Riverdale Debate and Model UN teams have had a friendly rivalry for many years as members try to prove who the better public speakers, collaborators, and persuaders are. To settle this rivalry once and for all, the debate and Model UN teams turned to the dodgeball courts instead of the classroom.
After the success of the dodgeball tournament last year, captain of the Model UN team and key coordinator of the game, senior Lindsey Brail, expressed how “for a while, dodgeball has been at the top of [their] minds for a fun activity.” She is thankful for Coach McDonald, Coach Walsh, Ms. Choi, and all of the deans for helping to make this dodgeball game a reality.
On Wednesday, January 26, while advisories met, the upper gym filled with debate and Model UN members, ready to play each other in a tournament-style competition. Both activities divided their members into four teams, allowing for four intense games between the clubs. A team won a game for their activity by winning two out of three dodgeball matches. Whichever activity won the most games out of the four would be crowned the winner.
With bragging rights on the line, before games, teams huddled up with their faculty advisors to strategize. As players lined up at the baseline, the competitive spirit was palpable. Friendly trash-talking aside, teams sprinted towards the center for dodgeballs, and the games began.
Despite fierce competition from Model UN, the debate team was up two games to one. Going into the final game, Model UN was looking to push the series into overtime while debate wished to secure the victory with one final win. While there were incredible throws, dodges, and catches from both sides, Model UN lost in overtime of the second match, allowing debate to win the series three games to one.
Nonetheless, Brail assured me that Model UN will be back for a rematch, and this time to take the crown. And who knows, maybe The Riverdale Review staff will join in on the action!
