Wii Bowling Tournament
Written by James Cajigas, Gael Winds on January 25, 2010
Bowling fans and alley cats had their chance to shine Thursday, December 10, as Shelton High School’s Robotics Team held their first Wii Bowling fundraiser tournament.
“We really got hit hard financially last year,” said team captain Ryan Roussel. “When you factor in all the parts needed to build our robots and entry fees for competitions, Robotics can turn into a fairly expensive hobby. We added this fundraiser and hopefully another before our season starts.”
Held in the gym, the tournament featured 12 “lanes”- that is, separate Nintendo Wiis- projected onto the bleachers. Ten teams of four players each played two sets of two games, so each member had a chance to play. Teams competed in the double elimination tournament with the remaining semifinalists competing in a standard bracket.
While they waited, players tried their hand (or foot) at a Dance Dance Revolution platform in the corner. Refreshments, such as pizza and candy were on sale.
Social Studies teacher Nick Corkery captain of Prestige Worldwide, a teacher team that included science teacher Ernest Pagliaro, World Language teacher Mary Pagliaro and math teacher Dameon Kellogg, called the tournament a great stress reliever.
“It’s real nice to see everyone come and get together outside the classroom. It’s events like this that make teaching fun, and it really takes your mind off of things like the budget problems for a while,” Corkery said. Despite their valiant efforts, Prestige Worldwide only managed to place third.
A number of trophies were awarded. The Hash Slinging Slashers, a team comprised of Kyle Packnick, Tyler Elliot, Steve Torres, and Michael Torres, dominated the tournament and took home the top prize. Elliot explained the secret to their success. “Listen, champion Wii Bowlers aren’t made. They’re born, you know? I mean, this is the first time I picked up a Wiimote in like, two years.” Packnick, captain of the Hash Slinging Slashers, stressed this point. “Sure, I ran a few games before the tournament to get warmed up. But the competition never knew what hit them.”
Additionally, Michael Torres won a trophy for a highest individual score of 237. He credits his ability to “do work.” Team Shelton Police, consisting of seniors Kelly Bardin and Chole Ashcroft, Officer Woodin, and security guard John Nicolett, won best team uniform for their standout purple shirts, which garnered them the nickname “The Purple Pin Eaters.”
Citing the family appeal of the Wii, team advisor Keron Taylor said, “The tournament wasn’t just open for students. We saw adults, friends from out of school, anyone who was interested in a fun time come out and play. When you factor in everything we offered, it really was a great, fun way to spend an evening that really helps support our team.”
Team advisor John Niski shared that sentiment. “I think this is the start of one of the great events Shelton High School is so proud of, hopefully the first Wii Bowling Tournament of many. It’s only going to get bigger,” he said. “We needed to raise funds for our team, and we didn’t just sell candy. This event encompassed the whole family. Everyone’s having so much fun. I look forward to our next successful fundraiser.”
Robotics team member Nelson Silva mused the philosophical implications of the tournament. “Life is a lot like bowling,” he said. “The only difference is life doesn’t give you a second throw.”
