Halloween Dodgeball 2022

The annual Halloween Dodgeball tournament returned to Fanning Hall.

The spooky tradition packs students into the Fanning courtyard each year where they watch their peers go head-to-head.

This Lipscomb tradition has been put on for nearly two decades. But each time, you're guaranteed to see something you've never seen before.

Traditionally in sports, teams are united by uniforms. But in this tournament, teams are united by creative costumes.

How could Halloween ever exist without the costumes?

What makes a good costume? Is it originality, detail, design, or theme?

Could it be a perfect balance of all these elements?

Are we qualified judges? Certainly not. But we are giving you the full scoop, uncut, on this year's tournament. That qualifies us enough to rank these costumes.

The following five costumes are our favorites from the caged-in match.

Now it's time to channel our inner Anna Wintour and break down these looks. Let's begin!

5

Italian Stallions

_{The Italian Stallions come in at 5 on our list. These boys were hard to miss. With the Italian flag hanging off their shoulders, their team was prideful and pretty self-explanatory. We were impressed with their ability to keep their capes on while playing the game. That being said, we needed more Italian from them to meet the bar that the following teams set and raised. And then set and raised again!}

4

Jerry Falwell Jr. & His Pool Boys

_{Details and delivery. That's all there is to say. This was by far the most controversial costumes of the evening. Even some didn't get it, but if you did, it was hilarious. The team set out to be disliked by the crowd. Having made Liberty University degrees that they later tore up and money with Jerry Falwell Jr.'s face on it, the team succeeded in their mission. They rank number four on our list, as their detail orientation is more than admirable.}

3

The Retirement Home

^{These elderly gentlemen come in at 3 because of their dedication to their roles. No member moved at a reasonable pace upon entering and exiting the court. Some would run into fences or couldn't find their way out because of their wavering vision. The team set the bar early for dressing the part, but they raised the bar for playing the part.}

2

Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang

_{While many teams displayed some level of commitment to their craft, playing dodgeball in wigs and a pajama onesie must be commended. The classic lovable Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang come in second with their sheer confidence and ability to go against norms.}

Honorable Mentions

Photo taken by Millie Gnewikow

Jesus and His Sheep

A creative depiction of Jesus and His Sheep competed in the tournament with a real fighting chance. They were a crowd favorite and even got them chanting "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!" in support. They come in as an honorable mention because their costume lacked construction. The group of boys certainly left their mark on the court. And by that, I mean they left cotton balls everywhere.

Photo taken by Millie Gnewikow

Lipscomb's Tour Team

You know them, you love them, and you don't really love when they call you out on campus in the middle of a tour. Lipscomb's Tour Team made a special appearance at the tournament in their classic jean and grey polo uniform. Coming in as an honorable mention because while we admire our tour team, their costume didn't step up to the creative bar set by their peers.

1

Avengers

_{Ranking first on our list, the Avengers came and served. No, not served our country, served up looks. The team consisted of 8 members, even though only 5 could play at one time. In doing this, they completed their team's look with devotion to the cause. The accuracy and attention to detail when recreating these heroes was unmatched. With two members even wearing body paint, one can imagine what the floor of those showers looked like. We'll tell you what it looked like, green and purple commitment.}

Year after year, the Halloween Dodgeball Tournament has two clear winners. The winner of the actual dodgeball and the winner of the costume contest that each patron participates in as a judge. After much difficulty and delegation, these choices are exclusive to these authors. You may have your own.

When asking some of the teams if they have an idea for next year, some were not at liberty to say. Until then, we patiently wait to see what's in store next spooky season.

Now it's your turn. Who do you think was the best dressed this year?