In Hillsborough, two political parties duke it out with dodgeball

TAMPA — Only one team could claim victory, but both came away with a prize.

The Tampa Bay Young Republicans beat the Hillsborough County Young Democrats in all three matches of a best-of-five dodgeball tournament at AirHeads Trampoline Arena Thursday night.

Gloating began immediately, but the tone and tenor of the entire event was of unity.

"We said, 'Let's do what everyone always says they'll do,' and we came together," said Ashley Intartaglia, 25, of Tampa, who is president of the Republicans.

The two groups had never hosted a joint social event. They took the chance to get to know each other — all while dodging partly deflated balls.

During warm-up rounds, the two teams set politics aside to mix things up with men-only and women-only matches.

"They're demonstrating what we're lacking in Washington in Congress," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who came out to watch.

Beckner said a focus on ideology instead of ideas thwarts Congress' ability to solve problems. Locally, politicians come together and find solutions even when they disagree, he said.

Would he wager a bet on the outcome of the night?

"We'll bet on democracy and hope that bipartisanship prevails," he said.

Neither team had practiced or planned a strategy.

Republicans outnumbered Democrats.

"We were joking that it's indicative of what happens when Democrats have low turnout," said Tim Heberlein, 29, of Tampa, an executive board member for the Democrats. "If you want to win, you've got to show up."

In the end everyone seemed pleased to have participated.

"We would love to see the United States Congress settle their differences through a game of trampoline dodgeball," Intartaglia said. "It would be great on every level of government."

No one could resist the urge to look for lessons.

"If we start cooperating early enough, when we're actually leading we can see each other's side better," said Danielle Butkus, 29, a Republican and pre-kindergarten teacher from New Port Richey.

Afterward, the two groups sat down and broke (pizza) bread. It was announced that the Republicans would split their winnings — a $100 gift card to AirHeads — with the Democrats.

"Hopefully we can put it toward playing again," Intartaglia said.

Staff writer Robbyn Mitchell can be reached at (813) 226-3373 or rmitchell@tampabay.com.