While Parker is not considered a “sports” school, there are sports teams that play all year round, with games happening constantly, both at home and away. However, one annual game always stands out and has possibly one of the largest attendance for Parker sports: the White/Blue Out games at DePaul against our rival Latin that takes place in the winter.

Even though Parker has lost against Latin for as long as I remember attending, there is always a huge turnout. A large percentage of the school comes to watch with so much spirit. Looking around the stands, I see students with blue and white signs. Face paint, and beaded necklaces fill up the stands on teachers, alumni, and parents cheering, with barely any empty seats. Not only is this game in the middle of Chicago’s painful winter, but it isn’t even at Parker. So if Parker usually loses, why is there always such a large turnout?

I attend because the game is fun. Not only do I get to spend time with my friends from both my grade and other grades, but I get to support the school’s basketball team. It’s exciting to get in the spirit and cheer in the stands. For many students, it is a social event. However, I believe the reason for the large attendance may have a deeper cause.

First, the game is against Latin—our rival. Playing against Latin sparks competitiveness in students that makes them curious to see how the game plays out in person. Additionally, after every loss against Latin, it only makes students more competitive and want a win even more. I know personally from the sports I play, including field hockey, that whenever our team loses to Latin, I hope for a chance at redemption. The White Out game can be just that.
Many students also want to be cheering loudly in hopes that it will result in better play, ultimately affecting the outcome of the game. In my experience with other sports, cheering can really make a difference.

I believe that one of the main reasons is seeded deep into the school’s mission. We attend classes at Parker—constantly being taught at a young age and reminded when we are older—to always be supportive of each other. We learn to always be a helping hand, and for our actions to be “everything to help.” “Help” in this instance could be the support given by attending the game. Through Parker’s values, we learn to be good friends, students, teammates, and in this case, supporters. So with that logic, it makes sense that everyone still attends the game even if we lose. Even then, I think there is more to be said.

Although we continue to, unfortunately, lose, the basketball team works just as hard and the students still come with just as much spirit, hoping that maybe this will be the year we win. And although usually my hope gets let down, I don’t let that stop me from wanting to attend the game every year. I don’t ever expect to win, but, looking across at the Latin bleachers, I know losing is not a fun feeling. So every year, I hope the next one is the one where we can win.

Even though we lose, we are “good teammates” by attending the games and supporting our teams and showing spirit for the school we attend.

In the halls leading up to the game I have heard students saying things such as, “There is no chance we win, but I’m still going to go.” That, to me, really shows how Parker students have so much spirit, regardless of a win or loss.

Our repeated attendance shows the character of Parker students. When we attend the games, we bring so much spirit, not only with objects such as posters but also with our voices.

I do think—and hope—that the attendance at the White/Blue Out game continues to be large, as I think it not only supports the basketball team but also proves that Parker students do stand by their mission. We are students that support each other, through wins and through loses.