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SALT LAKE CITY -- Kickball isn't just for kids anymore. It even has its own world championship. Really. A Utah team is preparing for the big tournament, which will be held October 10, in Las Vegas.
"I'm excited to go down there," said Kevin Barland, one of the players going, "but from what I've heard, it's pretty hardcore."
This will be the first team from Utah to play in the world championships. The tournament is put on by the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), and will feature 1,500 players on 72 teams from 18 states.
"This will be the world's largest kickball tournament ever," said Kristen Dummer, who lives in Salt Lake City.
Dummer's full time job is to organize WAKA's events nationwide. She says the world championship is held annually in Las Vegas and grows every year.
"It's really competitive," she said, "but it's also a lot of fun."
Kickball is growing in Salt Lake, as well. There are now two divisions in Salt Lake, fielding 32 teams and roughly 500 players.
Thursday night, teams playing in the Mountain Division were playing league playoff games at Liberty Park.
"It's a great time, and I've met a lot of great people," said Jamey Sage.
"I can't say that I saw myself at 24 years old playing kickball," laughed Stacy Knudsvig, "but I love it. It's one of the things I look forward to through all the winter."
The rules are basically the same as in softball and baseball. Each team gets three outs per inning, and games last five innings. A team can have 11 players on the field, as long as at least four of them are female. There is a 13 run mercy rule.
Playing kickball is also a way to meet new people.
"I met my boyfriend through kickball," said Dummer.
She's not alone. Many players say they've started dating another player after meeting on the field.
"Two months ago, I got engaged to a lady I met playing kickball," said Sage.
Of course, the games do get competitive.
"It can get super intense," said Barland. "I mean, there are some teams who come out here for fun. We come out here to have fun and to win. We have more fun when we win."
We'll keep track of how Utah's team does in the championships. If you're interested in playing in the league, check the website for the World Adult Kickball Association.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
