On the sunny evening of Friday August 11th, the West High varsity football team kicked off their season at the West football field with an Aloha-themed spirit game against Colony High School. After a thrilling back and forth in the first quarter, West pulled ahead during the second and maintained that lead until the end of the game. West came out on top with a score of 41 to 20. The team hopes that this win is an indication of the exciting season yet to come.
At halftime and throughout the game, the cheer team performed for the first time of the season after practicing hard for weeks. Diane Johnson, the football cheer coach, says, “when the time came to perform, they nailed it. I’m super excited for the upcoming season. We have a small team, but they are all eager to cheer and have a great connection with one another.”
Everyone showed up to bring school spirit to the game, including the West High Pep Band. The Pep Band could be found at the far side of the bleachers, led by the Band Director Kirby Kauffman. Throughout the game, the band played to hype up the crowd with their songs including the official West school song, “On the Anchor.”
The West Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) could also be seen manning a booth near the entrance of the game; they were selling spirit gear. Students and staff attending the game could purchase one of the many shirts, hats, and jackets designed with the West High logo. Or even pick up a West High themed blanket! Revenue from spirit gear goes to the PTSA and can be purchased at many West events or through their online store listed on the official West website.
Everyone attending the game, especially students, were asked to wear Hawaiian-themed clothing and leis were provided at the entrance. Why the Aloha theme? Well, this year the West High football and cheer teams plan to travel to hawaii. While the Aloha gear showed spirit, members of the West National Honor Society volunteered at a bake sale and silent auction to raise funds for the trip. In addition, there was a fundraiser for victims affected by the Maui wildfire. Enstar matched all donations.
Both the football and cheer teams are beyond ecstatic about the trip, prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime. Johnson says, “The chance for our varsity team to travel to Hawaii with the football team has brought all of them closer together as they have been working as a team to raise funds to travel. The chance to cheer in Hawaii is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the girls could not be more excited.”
Between the football gameplay, cheer performances, Pep Band, silent auction, bake sale, and PTSA spirit gear there was something for everyone at the varsity football kickoff game. Topped with the school spirit from the aloha wear, the game was a fun start to the season, hopefully with much more success to come.