By Jeff Haidri

Sweat permeates the gym as people are running from side to side. Ten seconds left on the clock. There is a midair interception, furious grabbing, and then a lightning-fast pass to the goal, where the forward kicks it in. There is shouting, as spectators take it all in.
As part of its annual hunger drive, Student Senate organized City’s first speedball tournament on Thursday, February 25. In addition to providing food to persons in need, it was the scene of intense competition, the likes of which have not been seen in City High history.
“This is the best game of speedball I’ve ever had. Gym class just doesn’t match up,” said Tristan Spears, ’12.
With everybody trying their hardest to win bragging rights, the games at the tournament were unusually competitive and exciting. The audience was much larger than in a regular Physical Education class, and running scoreboards gave the matches legitimacy. Noah Danielson, ’11, said, “I had been looking to get into competitive speed ball. There’s just no substitute.”
Danielson also participated because it was quality time with his friends. “I’d been solicited by many teams, but I ended up choosing Bryan Martin’s [‘11].”
In total, there were eleven squads that fought in the single-elimination tournament. Therapists, including Brandon Kidwell, ’12, and Jesse Lyendecker, ’12, won the final round 12-5, thanks to physical interceptions and an effective passing lane offense.
Although it was excellent display of speedball, the tournament’s main success was philanthropic. According to Marshall [Chip] Hardesty, speedball referee, the event brought in over 200 cans of food. Due to its popularity and success, Hardesty predicts that the event is here to stay.
“It was rough but fun,” he said. “I’m sure we’re going to do it again next year, if not next week.”