Dodgeball tourney to help Make-A-Wish

Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), in association with the Sigma Chi fraternity, is sponsoring a Dodgeballwish Tournament on Feb. 3 and 4.

According to Ross Hicks, vice president of the SAAC, prizes will be given for first, second and third place winners of the tournament.  Local businesses, such as Lone Star and some nail salons have donated prizes to be given out during the tournament.

Pizza and bottled water will be offered for sale throughout the event.

SAAC competes in the Lone Star Conference for the SAAC Cup by earning points throughout the year for Make-A-Wish Foundation projects.  They conducted a "pass the bucket" campaign at football games this year, collecting donations for the organization, but this tournament is scheduled to be their largest fundraiser for the year.

"Last year we finished in the middle of the pack," Hicks said. "We are hoping to finish nearer the top this year."

Esteban Arriola, Sigma Chi president, is also a member of SAAC. His association with both organizations led to the decision to partner for the event.  It's hoped that Sigma Chi's involvement will be helpful to draw participation of other fraternities and sororities on campus into the event.

Each team must consist of six players and include at least one male and one female player.  Teams must all have a name, a captain with contact information, and wear some type of uniform to identify them as a whole unit. In addition, all players must wear closed toe shoes.

The tournament will take place at the A&M-Commerce Field House.  Check-in will begin on Friday, Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m.  All teams must be present for a pre-tournament meeting to review rules and bracket.

Sign-up sheets are available at the Morris Recreation Center. Sheets and registration fee of $30 must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 27.  Fees must be paid in full before the start of the tournament.

Donations are non-refundable, and all proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.