As fictional coach Patches O’Houlihan claims in the summer movie “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “If you can dodge wrenches, you can dodge balls.”

University of Wisconsin students now have the opportunity to test this theory.

As mentioned in the Sep 16 edition of “Sports Illustrated: On Campus,” the UW Division of Recreational Sports is adding dodgeball to the list of intramural sports offered on campus.

With increased attention to the sport due to the summer comedy, intramural dodgeball teams have popped up on campuses nationwide, according to Matt Horst, Intramural Sports Director. However, much more than the movie is behind the decision to offer the sport at UW.

Horst claims the idea to bring dodgeball to Madison came about well before the movie.

“The movie helped,” Horst said. “But it’s not the reason we are bringing it to campus.”

Instead, Horst noticed the national trend of playground games reappearing as intramural sports in a college setting. He attended the annual National Intramural Recreational Sport Association conference that often features current popular sports. After viewing a demonstration by the National Amateur Dodgeball Association, Horst decided to bring the sport to UW.

Mike Warren, Intramural Sports Coordinator, thought dodgeball would be a fun sport for students to enjoy.

“I hope it allows students to forget about everything and just be a kid for a couple of hours,” Warren said.

According to Horst, not only does dodgeball provide an alternative for a study break, intramural sports can also create a social atmosphere.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet some people, hang out with friends, and then get back to studying,” Horst said.

Many students around campus are excited about the new intramural sport. Jessica Rose, a UW senior marketing intern for Badger Athletics, hopes to join a team.

“After a long day at class, there’s nothing like pounding a person with a dodgeball,” Rose said. “It’s a healthy way to get out daily frustrations.”

Agreeing with Rose, Horst added, “It’s an opportunity to relieve some stress.”

Warren, who has not seen the movie “Dodgeball,” admits it might influence a student’s decision to get involved.

“I would guess ninety percent of team names entered will reference the movie,” he offered.

UW Juinor Gunther Wolff, who is interested in starting a team with his fraternity, admits the movie persuaded him.

“I saw the movie and it definitely sparked my interest in the sport,” he said. “I think everyone wants to go back and relive their elementary school glory days.”

UW students and faculty members are encouraged to sign up for both men and women’s leagues on Oct 5 in the Natatorium program office. Competitive and recreational play will be offered. Three weeks of round-robin play will begin Oct 10 and playoffs will be held on Oct 31.

While sign-ups have not begun, both Horst and Warren are optimistic about the popularity of the intramural sport.

“It’s going to be a big hit on campus,” Horst said.