By Drew Williams/sports editor

The NW Campus Cornerstone program hosted its first annual benefit dodgeball tournament April 15, raising money for a local elementary school.

After getting moved into the gym instead of playing outdoors because of the heavy winds, the Blackhawks and the Cornerstoners easily advanced to be the matchup in the finals.

The game started out with Blackhawks player Justin Soliz throwing his dodgeball and having it hit two Cornerstoners. Then Blackhawks player Maximo Rojo caught one of the Cornerstoners’ dodgeballs to make it 5-on-2 before either team had a chance to blink.

The Blackhawks went on to win the tournament without any of their players getting out in the championship game.

“We just had a horrible start,” said John Menger of the Cornerstoners. “With the double-hit in the beginning, then when I dropped my block ball, it went all downhill from there.”

Jose Mejia of the Blackhawks gave all the credit to their coach on the sideline, Andre Hattendorf.

“Good coaching is what it all came down to, and the pep talks in between rounds,” Mejia said.

Hattendorf said his biggest concern was his players getting ahead of themselves.

“I just pointed out who their toughest competition was and then told them that even though they were doing a good job, they had to keep their heads in the game and not get too cocky,” he said. “I told them to keep their focus and keep their eye on the prize.”

Dr. Michael Nichols, Cornerstone director, set the tone for the event with his fake muscle suit, green hair, lab goggles and knee-high socks. He wanted to send a message that even though it was a competition, it was all in an effort to have fun for a good cause.

“We’re all just out here to have a good time,” he said, “and to blow off some steam at the end of the year.”

The event raised more than $200 for W.J. Turner Elementary School in Fort Worth. The money will go toward buying underprivileged students school supplies.