Since Lost has returned to form and restored my zeal for life, I thought I'd do some blogging. And since a little birdie told me there's some dodgeball tournament going on this weekend, I think I've found my topic. (I'm joking to cover up the fact that I'm in complete denial this weekend is my last hurrah with Western Dodgeball.) So, for my loyal readers, some thoughts about Nationals:

1. God help our fans who tune into Zac Newton's broadcast this week. I'm thankful Bomis is there to prevent total hell from breaking loose, but to make a Lost reference, the grandfather of the NCDA would have better luck stopping the smoke monster with a twig. Trust me, Newton + road trip + likely alcohol consumption on Saturday night = the Hurricane Katrina of broadcasts. This will not end well. Have you heard the podcast lately? That's Zac on his church behavior. This weekend will be Zac on his Vegas behavior. Dodgeball nation: you have been warned.

2. The captain's meeting is going to be heated with a capital "H." With the message board resembling a political debate recently, I'm starting to feel like there's two separate factions developing within the league. The recent debate about numbers on jerseys really highlighted this rift. On one side, you have those who want the NCDA to become more legitimate and retain its competitive nature at all costs. After paying $100 a year to improve our website, shelling a couple hundred more for the podcast update and firmly defending the opening rush's current format, I think it's clear I come down more on this side. On the other side, we have those who favor maintaining the playground nature of our sport, even if it means sacrificing our growth as league. Jack Attack is the first person I think of who holds this position. He'd take a fun league over a competitive one any day. It's like Team Jacob vs. Team Smokey (for Lost reference #2). Surveying the scene after the captain's meeting will be very interesting.

3. With this being my last year, Western is going for broke. We want a championship. After last year's experience, I've realized what it's going to take to do that given our team's membership. Consequently, I've been experimenting with several different rotations for our Saturday games. We'll also be implementing a strategy that probably won't sit favorably with other teams, but gives us the best chance to win on Sunday. Don't worry, we're not rolling over and playing dead or anything. Let's just say we'll be looking more like Buckeyes during the first day of games.

4. I'll be writing a Nationals recap for Obscure Sports Magazine's May issue. Check it out when the times comes. With any luck, it might garner a couple responses on the magazine's message board.

5. Looking back, this league was one of the best investments I've ever made. I never thought a red rubber ball could come to represent my time in college, but it did. To all the friends I've made during my travels with Wetern's team, you helped shaped my college experience into something special. Thanks for all the memories.

I will now go play "Goodbye" and sob quietly into my pillow. Goodnight dodgeball nation.