Staff Whiffleball Extravaganza - Campus Recreation

"Ladies and Gentleman... Today we embark on a very important journey. A journey that several of your co-workers have chosen not to take. As a staff we've had a very eventful year, from tornado warnings to harassment training, we've faced an uphill battle. Today is about reflection, but it's also about legendary names like Justin the Iceman Cotter, Brendan the Juice Higgins, and Jonathan the Package Severance. And these names may not mean anything to you, but as you carve out your own legacies today, remember that there were those that came before you to make this all possible. And now fate will decide your teammate, you will decide your destiny, welcome to the Whiffleball Extravaganza!"

Two years ago the extravaganza was history in the making. Several unknowns in the field of Whiffleball embarked on a tremendous journey of laughter, excitement, and ultimately the pain of defeat and the joy of victory. Those that were standing at the end played an unprecedented six hours --- not a typo --- six hours of whiffleball. With legs shaking and psyches on the verge of breaking, a winner was declared on the last pitch of an unbelieveable war of a game. Below is the championship photo to remind us all that the Whiffleball Extravaganza Tradition began at Missouri State.

History of the Extravaganza

Several years ago in a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, a few great minds conceived of an event so brash, yet so simple, that it has since taken on legendary status and has spawned other such events around the Country. "You bring the food, I'll bring the bats and balls. We'll feast, we'll play whiffleball and when we've determined our champions, we'll sit down and talk whiffleball."

-Anonymous

Philosophy Behind the Event

"Here, take this sliver of paper. Put your name on it and drop it in the hat. Let the fates choose your teammate and you just concentrate on your current situation. You are a contender on the cusp of immortality and only those around you can stand in your way. Like you, these people are masters of their craft and subsequently justified in their condescension of those not present at the event. If that seems elitist, don't worry, it's because you're elite.

It comes down to who wants it more. Blood, sweat and tears will find out. That part will come, so shift it to the back of your mind. Right now, just be thankful that you're here. You're in the game. The Whiffleball Extravaganza."

-Jonathan Severance - Tournament Legend, Former MVP and Champion

Sunday, May 7th, 2006 - Missouri State University's

Inaugural Whiffleball Extravaganza

The Champs with a combined age of 52+