Members of the winning team, from left to right. Back row: Diego Victor, Cyrus Mathes, Curtis Keahna, Rudy Papakee, and Nolan Upah. Front row: Luis Nunez, Ethan Cruikshank, Eddie Garcia, Drew Mellies, Macael Bear, and Jesus Cervantes. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On Tuesday, March 21, the annual Prom Dodgeball Tournament returned to the STC Roundhouse. The event is the biggest fundraiser the Prom Committee puts on, and teams of up to 12 signed up and paid to be a part of the action.

Two months of planning went into making the event a success for everyone. This year marked a new high for participation.

“Thirty two teams, it’s the biggest we’ve ever done,” said one of the Prom Committee Sponsors, Marlys Upah.

Volunteer members of the Prom Committee worked all night to make sure the tournament ran smoothly. Marsha Keahna, Dina Keahna, and the other sponsor of the Prom Committee, Dan Lopez, worked the evening as line judges, while father-daughter duo Danny and Maeley Elsbury worked the double elimination bracket.

Curtis Keahna and his team emerged victorious from the 32 team bracket, beating out teams from all walks of life. Some notable individuals and groups include: Riley Barrett, a middle school staff member, leading Endure Run Club.

Jesus Cervantes enthusiastically cheers on teammate Ethan Cruikshank during the tournament. PHOTO BY BY JONATHAN MEYER

Corteva put together a strong team of employees. A group of Wartburg Cross Country and Track and Field Athletes came and joined forces with local high schoolers to mount a top four finish.

Middle School staff members competed as a team, and various teams of elementary age students competed. Mercy Care Tama brought a group of staff with a mix of friends and family.

Members of the 2023 Prom Committee include Alex Carrera, Almendra Ramirez, Andrea Padilla-Ollide, Arianna Herrera, Ciela Ornelas, Jenna Meyer, Kailiee Keen, Kayla Heck, Kaylynn Murty, Maeley Elsbury, Natalie Meek, Peyton Van De Wall and Zophia Zmolek.

PHOTO BY BY JONATHAN MEYER

Prom Committee members worked to keep the tournament running smoothly. From left to right: Jenna Meyer, Kayla Heck and Kailiee Keen. PHOTO BY BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY BY JONATHAN MEYER