Call it laziness or practicality, but from now on, I've decided to use this blog to share my thoughts and feelings with you all as opposed to creating a page on the website. No worries, I'm still going to post my epic 1,000 word columns on their own page, but for shorter entries, I think this setup makes more sense. Plus, it allows us to use the name DodgeBlog, which is pretty rockin'.

Ironically, the first entry on this blog actually deals with the last practice of my Western Dodgeball career. It occurred on Sunday, March 21 at the Preston Center on our campus. It was raining for the first time after a week of pleasant weather, setting a pretty ominous tone for what I hoped would be a pleasant event. Despite the foreboding weather, the practice was pretty routine- announcements, drills and scrimmaging. As a creature of habit, I didn't want to deviate from our established routine. But last night wasn't about the order of practice or the continuance of tradition. It was about the little things that I'm going to miss after three years of Sundays filled with dodgeball.

I thought about the blue courts we practiced on and if that made us the Boise State of college dodgeball teams. Despite playing every non-home game on hardwood courts, our odd playing surface was always comforting to me. Like the hideous carpet at your grandparents' house, it's not the most attractive thing in the world, but seeing it helps soothe your soul.

I thought about the friendships my players had developed since joining the team. Complete strangers united by a rubber ball and a school name is pretty powerful. Just ask the guys on my team who now hang out with fellow players off the court because they're friends and not just teammates. Out of all the things I'll take away from this team, knowing I helped people make new friends is hands down the most rewarding. If you ever need motivation to stick with your team, that's it right there.

I thought about the power trip you get when you tell 25 people to do something and they actually DO IT. Whether or not they mention it, this a reason captains enjoy their leadership role.

I thought about each player and how they joined the team. We have 26 players on our roster, and I guarantee they represent about 15 different paths to wearing a Western dodgeball jersey.

I thought about my two longest tenured players (Tom Schatzinger and Adam Martin), who'd been there through all the losing and all the roster turnover. That dedication means the world to me and I can't thank them enough for sticking with me. I honored that dedication the best way I could by making them captains and letting them pick their team for the scrimmage.

Finally, I thought about the poetic ending to my final scrimmage point. Of all the players on the floor, it was Felix Perrone (my successor) who tagged me out. Only in hindsight did I realize how appropriate that "passing of the torch" moment was for my last practice.

Walking out the gym, I didn't get misty-eyed or choked up. We have two more events before this crazy ride is over for me. I told my guys I wanted to go out with a bang. After three years, I have no doubt they'll deliver.

- Jazzy