In one swift motion Tony High, a junior in information system technology, caught the ball thrown by his dodge ball opponent and sealed the win for the Neely Fourth Floor Team One.

A team composed of dormitory buddies, of residence hall of the same name, the team won one event of many at Sportsfest 2004.

Fellow teammate Bekah Koth, a junior in photography, watched in awe as the tightrope act of the final in the dodge ball competition came to a stunning end with her team on top. High was the hero.

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“It was down to the wire, and our man pulled it off,” Koth said. “We’re so proud.”

The fourth floor team won the co-ed dodge ball championship over team Schneider Staff, of an opposing residence hall.

Sportsfest 2004 came to a close with a triumphant and captivating win, but it was one of many that occurred Sunday on the lower Arena fields. Along with dodge ball, the other sporting events included softball, volleyball, flag football, a home-run derby and tug-of-war. The overbearing sounds of the University radio station WIDB blared from gigantic speakers as players kicked, batted, ran and dove within each different competition.

To participate in the games, on-campus housing residents had to sign up with their student resident advisors. Any resident could participate in the six events. Teams were grouped into a co-ed division and a men’s division.

The annual Sportsfest is in its 18th year and is a joint venture between University Housing and the Office of Intramural Recreation Sports. It provides an opportunity for students compete in friendly competition.

Herman Williams, assistant director of Intramural Recreational Sports, has been involved with the event since its inaugural year.

“It’s a good chance to meet each other,” Williams said. “Once we get into the intramural sports season, they might be able to get their teams together from here.”

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Housing Program Coordinator Andy Morgan said he believes this year’s event was just as popular as its predecessors.

“It’s been going on for a long time,” Morgan said. “The students who did it their freshman year want to do it again their sophomore year.”

Bill McMinn, director of Intramural Recreational Sports, said the event is geared toward freshmen and new students, but all residents could participate.

“I think it’s a terrific opportunity to get our freshmen involved in our programs,” Bill McMinn said. “There’s a direct correlation with students getting involved in these programs early and their academic success.”