The KU Spikeball Club hosted a spikeball tournament on Saturday, Sep. 28, at Dad Perry Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prescott Deckinger | KUJH Multimedia Journalist
The 9-hour tournament saw teams from Lincoln, Nebraska, Oklahoma State University, and Mid-America Nazarene step onto the field to compete.
Teams were split into an advanced league filled with experienced players, and an intermediate league filled with beginner players. Every team in both leagues played five pool play games to determine seeding for bracket play.
After pool play concluded, senior Oklahoma State players Gibbs Parker and Henry Parkson emerged victorious in the advanced league bracket, and freshmen KU players Jose Knight and Julian Floren took first in the intermediate league.
Although their teams didn’t come out of the tournament with a win, other players were happy they made the trek to Lawrence to participate in an eventful day.
“I think this game is more enjoyable when there are more people to play with. The drive here was so fun because it was spent with my friends,” Elijah Stenson, freshman spikeball player at Lincoln, Nebraska, said.
What is Spikeball?
Spikeball was created by toymaker Jeff Knurek in 1989, and the 35-year-old game has spread its influence across the nation.
Inspired by volleyball, the game begins with a serve.
Once served to, the opposing team is allowed three alternating touches, then must rally the ball back onto the spikeball net in an attempt to score a point. If the opposing team fails to return the ball to the net, a point is scored, and games are played to 21.
Spikeball’s simple rules, quick gameplay, and growing popularity have made it a stapled activity for college students everywhere.
“I love the rush of dopamine I get when I hit a good spike onto the net. I joined this game to get active, but I’ve found such a great community and friendships. I don’t think there’s anything else like it,” John DeVore, junior at KU said.
Students interested in joining the KU Spikeball Club or learning more information can email [email protected] or text (636) 368-5880.
