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Kickball League Kicks Up a Storm

by Kathleen Pulek Theres a storm brewing in Newington. CT Storm, the local league of the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), has its epicenter at Churchill Park every Wednesday evening until mid-October. This is primarily a social league, said Chad Martin, WAKA Senior Customer Service Rep. for Connecticut, as he gestured to the six teams in action Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Churchill Park. Everyone here likes to play games. We have 245 primarily 20-something and 30-something members on 12 teams, playing a simple game. You kick a ball. Its a fun way to exercise and meet new people. We network, relax and enjoy good food and beverages. A friend from college called and said she was starting a kickball team in 2009. I like sports and I like to be outside, so I joined, said Martin, who plays for International Love and oversees several leagues across the state. The Newington-based Legendwait for itary team, captained by resident Emily Defelice, won its week three game 6-2 over GTM to improve its standing to 2-1. Defelice started the team to get my friends together as well as to meet new people. This is my first season, said Jillian Proffitt, one of Defelices teammates. Its a good way to stay active and to be able to get out in the middle of the week. Dan Ludwig, another teammate, likes being able to meet other young professionals in the area. Local Melissa Carlin enjoyed my first season so much that I wanted to recruit my family and friends to play. Her brother, John Carlin, and friend, Jeremy Bloom, said they were glad they joined. Its great to get outdoors and have something different to do during the week, John Carlin said. Im having a ball, added Bloom. Nick Gallicchio and his wife, Jaime, are rookies on the New Kicks on the Block team. Gallicchios business on Cedar Street, The Bar, is in its first year as league sponsor. When I was approached about a sponsorship, I decided I wanted to join in because this looked like something fun to be a part of. Its an amazing time for adults to be kids, he said. Echoing her husbands

Every Wednesday through mid-October, the dirt flies at Churchill Park as CT Storm, the local league of the World Adult Kickball Association, brings its members back to their favorite gym class activity.

sentiments, the game brought Jaime Gallicchio right back to her childhood. I love it! Im having so much fun. I havent played since I was in fifth grade. CT Storms spring and summer seasons are played in Hartfords Colt Park. The first two fall seasons saw the Storm at an indoor soccer facility in Farming-

ton. Martin and the players have transitioned nicely to Churchill Park. We really enjoy playing on grass fields. Sliding is easier. The three fields are perfect for us, he said. Our first wave of games goes off at 6:15 p.m. and the second wave starts at 7:30. All 12 teams play one game a week, lasting around 50 minutes. Plus, Churchill

has lights. You can sign up as a free agent, with a couple of friends or as a full team. While typical team rosters average 20 players, we can accommodate up to 26 on a team. WAKA provides the bases, balls and the team tshirts. Team members pay $69 to register, provide their own footwear and show up to play.

WAKA was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1998, to provide and promote the joy of kickball to the young at heartto provide a unique club with an inclusive co-ed social culture and to establish the WAKA Kickball experience as the New American Pastime, according to the WAKA website, which lists leagues in more than 35 states.

The New Kicks on the Block with Wakas Chad Martin after a game. From left, Jaime Gallicchio, Martin, Nick Gallicchio, Melissa Carlin, John Carlin, Jeremy Bloom.

A kickballer narrowly strikes out at third base.

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A recent win by team Legend...wait for it...ary, from left, captain Emily Defelice, Jillian Proffitt and Dan Ludwig, improved its overall league standing.

All photos by Dave Burnham www.esnapsport.wordpress.com