Dodgeball, pickleball, and spikeball tournaments headlined three separate fundraising events run by sport management students as part of their capstone project to end the academic year.
Sport Management 489 is part of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. Covering sport event management theory and application, the course includes an annual project that student groups arrange and execute to benefit a cause of their choosing. Students complete the capstone course as seniors in the final semesters of their degree program.
Spikeball tournament
One group hosted a double-elimination spikeball tournament at Grimes Playfield. Teams of two competed in best-of-three matches. The event was open to all skill levels.
Student Gracie Sather said the team met its goals for dollars raised ($1,212), as well as total number of teams (22).
“It was a very successful event,” she said. “The weather was great and allowed for participants to enjoy the whole day while playing the sport.”
Proceeds from the event benefited the WSU Sport Club Federation, a student-run club that provides competitive sport programs for students.
Dodgeball tournament
A Family Weekend dodgeball tournament took place at WSU’s Smith Gym and the Physical Education Building. Open to the entire community, the event benefited the Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF). Players could register with either a specific team for $10 each, or as “free agents.”
Student Brandon Mascitti said the event — from planning to execution — went well.
“The overall vibe of our event was fun and uplifting and our raffle prizes were closely connected to WSU and the Pullman community, which added value and excitement for participants,” he said. “Despite only having five teams registered, we were able to make a significant profit, which was a major success.”
Mascitti said the group raised almost $1,000 and were able to give CAF around $600 after costs and fees.
Pickleball tournament
A pickleball tournament was held at the Pullman Parks and Recreation Center. Entry was $20 per two-person team and proceeds supported the Downtown Pullman Association and Pullman Parks and Recreation.
Student organizer Diego Vazquez said the team was grateful for the sponsors and the difference they made.
“Every dollar raised is supporting projects like sidewalk improvements, storefront facades, and resources for local businesses,” Vazquez said.
There were both competitive and non-competitive brackets in the tournament, which raised a total of more than $700.
