The dodgeball tournament served as a fundraiser for Turner Hall. Last year the tournament raised funds for the roof replacement. This year’s donations will fund a new water tank, continuing efforts to preserve the historic building.

The tournament drew players and spectators to the shaded grounds for a bracket-style competition. Teams included Brown County Yellow Ribbon, Jensen Motors, Ball of Duty, Balls of Fury, Ed’s Chop Shop and The Average Dans.

Following the tournament, Turner Hall executive director Andrea Boettger said Yellow Ribbon Society was is already eyeing a third title.

“They’ve got two trophies now,” Boettger said. “And they’re already talking about a three-peat next year.”

Brown County Yellow Ribbon celebrates their tournament victory while holding their trophy at the Turner Hall dodgeball fundraiser. This represents a back-to-back win for Yellow Ribbon during the Turner Dodge Ball tournament. From left: Skylar Pierce, Glenn Howell, Rachel Youngbloom, Shane Guy, Ashley Howell, Dan Sowers, Miranda Mathiowetz and Scott Konz. Photo by Amy Zents

Yellow Ribbon Society team captain Dan Sowers said the event lived up to expectations.

“It was so much fun–just as we expected it would be,” Sowers said. “We took first place last year, and our first and second place teams from then placed again this year. So all you dodgeball people and athletes need to get your teams together and come out next year.”

Jensen Motors placed second, while Balls of Fury took third and earned Best Uniform honors for their coordinated look: white shirts, black shorts, red-white-and-blue striped face paint, knee-high socks and matching headbands. Ball of Duty received Best Team Name for its camouflage gear and wordplay.

Several teams donated their prize money back to Turner Hall, including winnings for best uniform, best team name and the championship title.

“It was unexpected and so touching,” Boettger said. “It shows how much people care about Turner Hall as an asset to the community.”

Katie Stein of the Jensen Motors team fires off a throw during a match at the Turner Hall dodgeball fundraiser. Photo by Amy Zents

The tournament ended with a group photo of all teams gathered on the field.

In addition to the dodge ball tournament, Turner Park hosted a reunion for Shorty’s Bar, a downtown New Ulm establishment that operated from the 1940s through the 1980s, was held alongside the tournament. A tribute board featured photos, memorabilia and stories from the bar’s legacy, including its sponsorship of local teams such as the Rockettes girls softball team.

“It was great to see the Shorty’s Bar reunion here and all these people coming together to share memories and enjoy a fun, sunny day at Turner Hall Park,” Boettger said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day.”

Dan Kalk (bottom left) leads the Average Joe’s team. Brie Taralson is furthest from the camera, with Nick Taralson in the middle. On the right side: members of the Chop Shop team–Grace Ruele, Edward Jones, and Nathan Rodriguez.
Photo by Sara Pruett[/caption]

Sandy Stitzinger of the Jensen Motors team winds up during an early match at the Turner Hall dodgeball fundraiser. Photo by Amy Zents

New Ulm City Manager Chris Dalton returned for a second year as referee for the Turner Hall Dodge Ball tournament, keeping the games on track. Photo by Amy Zents