On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Office of Campus Engagement (OCE) hosted Nationball 2025, where students of Biola joined in camaraderie with their respective dorms to face off against one another in a dodgeball tournament.
As each dorm gathered in front of Chase Gym, students donned black wristbands worn in honor of John “Chief O” Ojeisekhoba, the beloved Chief of Campus Safety, who passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 31 from cardiac arrest. Mark Muha, Vice President for Student Development, then delivered a speech in honor of Chief O. Muha recalled how Chief O attended and participated in Nationball every year, simply because of his sincere devotion and care for the students of Biola. Following this reflection of Chief O’s character, Muha invited everyone inside the gym to join together in a moment of silence for their brother in Christ.
Muha then encouraged the competitors to play the game in the manner Chief O always did, joyfully and ambitiously. That is exactly what everyone did, smoothly transitioning from solemn remembrance to excitement as the tournament began.
It was revealed that Stewart Hall had obtained the Biola Egg, which they then dedicated in honor of Chief O. The results of the night’s games would determine which dorm would win the egg to guard as their own until next year. As the game played out, the dorms exchanged support, cheer, and even a bit of animosity, seen through the playful chants of “Horton cheated!”
The first matchup for the semifinals was Horton vs. Blackstone, leading to a tie-breaking 2 vs. 2 match that Horton won in a matter of seconds. The second matchup for the semifinals was Stewart vs. Hart; two halls who had formerly been allied in previous years. It was a fight between the underdogs, and Hart won.
The final matchup consisted of Horton vs. Hart: an upperclassmen dorm versus a freshman dorm. In the end, the freshmen’s vigor and spirit prevailed over the upperclassmen, earning a final victory for Hart. Throughout the long night, the players were unwavering in their energy and enthusiasm, serving as a faithful example of the spirit embodied by the late Chief.
