Much like Lost's end in a few weeks, my college dodgeball career officially came to a close last night in several ways. First, we had our inaugural end-of-the-year banquet in the theater room of RedZone, a popular sports bar style restaurant on campus. The room consisted of 19 recliners and a projection screen TV. It's a really sweet setup they got going on. Throw in the fact that it doesn't cost anything to reserve, and I'd been pumped about that night for a while.

Going into last night, I had a couple fears. First, I didn't think we'd have enough people show up to fill all 19 recliners. I also worried that Nick Neiman, who we'd be honoring as season MVP, wouldn't be able to make it. Much to my surprise, when 7 pm rolled around, my players proved me wrong on both counts. Nick showed up and we had every seat in that room filled. It unfolded just how I hoped it would after that. Everyone ate their food, we watched our game tape from Battle of the Bluegrass on the TV and relived highlights from the season, including Luke Gilliam running like a girl from GVSU and getting tagged in both asscheeks for his trouble. I was surprised when 7:30 arrived and it was time for me to speak.

As I walked down to the front, that familiar sense of contentment from Nationals washed over me. I knew that at the moment, I was exactly where I needed to be. Felix and I made our big announcements (announcing new captains, starting a JV team, new jerseys) and then Felix got to talk about his plans for Nationals. And let me tell you, my successor has BIG plans. Monumental plans. Like "this is the greatest dodgeball tournament I've ever been to" plans. I won't detail them here because they'll be posted on the NCDA site later today, but they're awesome.

After detailing his plans, it was time to hand out awards. I like awards. I like rewarding people for doing good work. Not only does it build legitimacy for your organization and camaraderie amongst teammates, it also ensures that those rewarded will keep doing good work because they feel appreciated. Granted, I knew Nick Neiman (MVP) and Andrew Swanson (Rookie of the Year) would keep playing at a high level next season, but they still deserved recognition. We also gave Oscar lookalike awards to Zac and Alex for their work on the podcast. To hear their feelings on my attempt to thank them, listen to Episode Fourteen.

Overall, the night went perfectly. Literally, I've never had something built up in my head turn out so close to what I envisioned. I got hugs from all the guys afterward and promised I'd come see them during the season. I didn't cry. I smiled. I only have happy memories from my time with WKU Dodgeball. There are no regrets from my four years of building this program. Plus, we have Nationals next year. That doesn't equate sadness; it equates pure, unadulterated joy.

The final farewell of the night came in the form of the first podcast recorded without me. I had a writers' meeting for the Talisman and couldn't make it, so Zac, Alex and Felix recorded Episode Fourteen without me. I was nervous to see 1) how many bleep-worthy moments didn't get bleeped AND 2) if they actually talked about dodgeball. Turns out, I had no reason to worry on either count. Zac dropped two eff-bombs (not bad for him) and Nationals got discussed in detail. We even got our first instances of autotune (including a hilarious PSA) and our first song dedication. Thank you Zac. I will try my best to stay "Forever Young," but according to you, I'm already about 100 years behind. But thanks nonetheless.

April 28, 2010 marked the end of my tenure with WKU Dodgeball. While I'm officially out as team president and captain, I know this squad will continue to take up a good chunk of my time. I plan on hanging around and providing advice to Felix as he takes control of the team and has to make some tough roster decisions. My players nicknamed me Yoda during the season (among other nicknames), so I plan on assuming that role fully now. On a night of goodbyes, I'm excited for what the future holds. My team and the NCDA as a whole stands on the cusp of greatness. Now is our time to seize it.