Cavottaball might be the most difficult sport to describe and the most fun to watch.
It combines elements of basketball and team handball, but it also adds twists which lead to fast games and intense action. The sport was created by Shaker High School golf coach Mike Cavotta two decades ago in an attempt to find a game that would appeal to all of his physical education students. `It was my second year in phys ed, and I had a bunch of kids — some of whom could shoot (a basketball) well, and some of whom could pass well but not shoot,` said Cavotta. `So, I created a game where everybody could utilize their skills.` Shaker hosted its annual Cavottaball Tournament last Friday, with dozens of current and former student-athletes competing for championship T-shirts and a picture on the wall. Team French Toast Mafia — featuring Shaker basketball star Malik Dare — won the title by beating a group of Shaker alumni 3-2 in the finals. `It was a great time and a great event, and it was for a good cause,` said Dare. Proceeds from the tournament benefited the Shaker All-Sports Booster Club. `What makes this sport fun is the individuality,` added French Toast Mafia team captain Mike Lewis. `There’s nothing like it in any other sport.` Here is how Cavottaball is played.
Cavotta said the sport is starting to take hold elsewhere including community centers and other schools. `Everybody knows about it,` said Cavotta.