I have been hearing about Homecoming for years. Despite having never traditionally been excited over dances, I found myself drawn into the excitement that was my first homecoming. Most of my classmates were busy talking about what dresses or suits they would wear to Homecoming, or who they hoped would ask them. Yes, this was enticing, but for me what I looked forward to was putting on the uniform for the game I cared about.
My team gathered on the field before the parade, decking ourselves out in bead necklaces and mini foam pointer fingers, taking pictures and mingling with other teams. The support students showed for their fellow classmates and athletes was incredible. It made me proud to be part of this athletic community.
The videos shown at the MX and student government, compiled of noteworthy moments from each team, brought the mood up and made people excited to see more of their teams and their successes.
When I got to our volleyball game the morning of Homecoming, it did not disappoint. We walked out, accompanied by bagpipes, to the largest crowd we had ever played for. Some people waved signs and many were decked out in Parker gear.
The atmosphere on the court was electric. Each point we won seemed like the game point, our energy feeding off that of the crowd.
But not all teams get this energy. During Senate the Wednesday before the Homecoming festivities, a few people brought up that Cross Country did not get any emails about their Homecoming video or events. Someone else chimed in that Cross Country did not have a Homecoming meet and the emails were for teams that did have Homecoming games. This stuck out to me. Even if someone could not make it to a meet or the meet was not during Homecoming weekend, recognizing that a peer or friend had a meet is important. Wishing your peers good luck beforehand and checking in afterward lets them know they are recognized and supported as athletes.
The same could be said for Tennis or Golf who both receive less excitement both in and out of the Homecoming season. Although Soccer, Field Hockey, and Volleyball are the sports that seem to get the most attention, the athletes in all sports work just as hard. They deserve to get recognition.
What can we do so this recognition happens? Well, one specific event comes to mind. Traditionally, a few days before Homecoming the varsity Volleyball and varsity Soccer teams will play each other in volleyball. When I heard about this, I was thrilled at the opportunity to show the sport I am passionate about to my friends who can’t make it to my games.
It was a wonderful event and gave everyone a fun look into both soccer and volleyball. I think there should be more matches like these for the other sports teams, more opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities in a way that is fun for both them and those who want to come watch.
This event could be soccer and field hockey playing each other in soccer, a relay race that takes place between all the teams with a spotlight on cross country, a match between tennis and volleyball in tennis, et cetera. Regardless of what event is used to shine the spotlight on student athletes, each team deserves the excitement that surrounds playing their sport at Homecoming.
