Family builds life-size game
JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch High School graduate Karley Gall celebrated her graduation in style this past weekend with something unique: A life-size foosball game.
The idea, which Gall hatched with her parents, Patty and Walt, came from a YouTube video the family saw.
Now, with a little help from Walt's friends, it became a 32-foot by 16-foot reality complete with plywood boards, PVC pipe bars and conveniently-placed cup holders for spectators.
Karley's father, Walt, built the structure with help from friends Jim Filges, Carl Jack, Bob Miller and John Bundy.
The family used the court during Karley's two-day graduation party on Saturday and Sunday. The family expected nearly 200 guests at their home at 134 Becker Road.
Karley's mother, Patty, said the life-size court will be a foosball first for her.
“I've never played foosball, but it really just looked like fun,” she said. “I think we'll have an excellent time.”
She said the family is using a “no-sting” foam ball, but she stocked up with a few extra ice packs just in case someone gets hurt.
“We're well prepared,” she said.
Karley plans to attend Slippery Rock University and apply for the school's selective physical therapy program.
Working to improve people's physical fitness is a personal issue for the Gall family. Two of Karley's younger sisters, Emily and Natalie, were born prematurely and suffer from cerebral palsy. The girls are 15 years old and were born with sisters Mary and Heather as quadruplets.
Walt Gall said he thinks the life-size foosball court, which took two weeks to build in the family's back yard, will help the two girls improve their health.
“The party's only one time, so we didn't just build it for that,” he said. “If it can help them (Emily and Natalie) get a little bit more activity, that would be great.”
