チャペルヒル高校（アメリカ
ノースカロライナ州）
Chapel Hill
High School (North Carolina, USA) |
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Steppin’
up to the Trashketball challenge
The Proconian Nov. 4, 2003
James |
While the Japanese language program at Chapel Hill High School gains
strength and momentum, a new type of challenge emerges: a sport
so bold it tests both dexterity and mind power.
Under the wise and watchful eye of head coach Chiho Kiyozuka,
competitors flex their knowledge of Japanese language and
culture, adding power to what has become arguably one of
the most important sports in the school.
To those not hip enough to be familiar with the premise
of Trashketball, here is the general idea: Kiyozuka divides
the group of competitors into two smaller groups. In the
Varsity league, the two dominant teams are known as the
Gyu Gyu, and the Hello Kitty-Chan. Kiyozuka initiates the
match with the exclamation "TORASHKETOBARU GEIMU!" (Japanese
dialect meaning ‘trashketball game')
Kiyozuka then picks one member from each team and quizzes
him/her about aspects or translations of Japanese. If the
competitor manages to solve the linguistic enigma, he/she
receives one point and is permitted to partake in one solitary
throw at the trash can with a small, inflatable, rubber
ball.
This is the point in the game in which the competitor has
the chance to make real strides for his or her team. By
shooting from farther and farther away, he or she can make
up to five extra points. The tolling of the bell, which
both finalizes the score and lets the competitors know that
it is time to go to the next class, signifies the end of
the game.
So far, this season's games have been hearted, often ending
in strong words, cursing, and threats.
The Twin Italian Pistons, senior varsity players Steven
and Kyle, have been split apart in this season. This maneuver
was a truly cunning move on the part of Kiyozuka, as dividing
the class into teams not only pits classmate against classmate,
but in this case, brother against brother.
Such resultant rage and violence could only possibly lead
to fiercer and more competitive games.
During last Thursday's match, tensions ran high. Gyu Gyu
player Steven stepped up to the Trashketball challenge.
Answering his initial question correctly, Steven attempted
to shoot from the four-point line, only to miss by a matter
of inches.
"No [freaking] way man!" screamed the agonized Cory. "That
was [crap], I just got jacked!" Despite protests, Kiyozuka
was sound in her judgment that there would be no redo, turning
the game over to the Hello Kitty-Chan. The team answered
the question correctly, and allowed Steven's brother, Kyle,
the opportunity to shoot. After warming up with a traditional
spirit dance, called the "Trashketball Crip Walk," Kyle
stepped up to the four-pint line, shot, and, much like his
counterpart, missed by a matter of inches.
"Dude. Uh-uh. No way did that not go in. This is crap,"
articulated a stunned Kyle, returning to his seat.
In the end, it was sophomore Japanese language prodigy and
undisputed Gyu Gyu MVP, Marissa, who won the match.
Marissa easily answered a question that stumped the opposition,
and then put away a two-point shot using an unexpected granny-toss.
Though tensions run thick as blood during the game, everyone
comes out friends. No matter how intense the game gets,
no matter how many curses are uttered under a person's breath
or in the open air, there are no hard feelings after a round,
only the knowledge that the better team attained victory.
The round ends with
Kiuyozuka saying the ceremonial words of closure: "Minasan,
dai suki desu!" which translates to "I love all of you."
The players respond with "Sensei ga dai suki!" which means,
"I love you, Coach."
Trashketball is a battle of wits, coordination, nerves,
and knowledge. As the Japanese program gains in popularity
and enrollment, keep a close eye out for future Trashketball
tournaments in your area.
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