Parker and Latin students occupy the DePaul Sullivan Athletic center, with Parker students on one side of the bleachers, and rival Latin students on the other. The faces within the gym range from angry and confused to ecstatic and perplexed as it became more and more clear Parker would be walking away with a win.

“The Parker students were surprised. The students were hesitantly cheering on their players, while the Latin students sat angry and embarrassed,” sophomore Matthew Gordon said. “Everyone was in shock because of our 20 point lead.”

For over 20 years both the annual Blue Out and White Out games have ended in a blowout wins for Latin. “While it is true that it has been a little while since Parker has won the White Out game, nothing is impossible,” said Kevin Snider, Parker Head Basketball Coach. “I made sure my team knew this. I needed to make sure they held their heads high going into the game. Many players still doubted our ability to win.”

Latin’s attendance numbers at the game were much lower than usual as the game was scheduled over their winter break. “We decided to schedule the game over Latin’s break in an effort to even the playing field,” said Bobby Starks, Parker’s Athletic Director. “We contemplated whether or not this was sportsmanlike, but in the end decided a win is a win, and we needed  win.”

In addition to being on vacation, Latin did not have any of the proper equipment to play the game. The Parker basketball team snuck in late at night before the game to lock all of Latin’s equipment in lockers. “I am not sure how they even got into our
school,” said David Hynes, Latin basketball player, “I’m pretty sure we have security.”

The team ran into Latin before the game with the sound of a drum being struck by Parker alumnus, Noah Jennings ‘18. “When the team asked me to help I was there for them. I immediately flew home from college, grabbed my drum, and met up with the team,” said Jennings. “We ran inside Latin with joy while banging the drum. Cheering, we locked up their jerseys and left.”

Typically, Parker would also be on Christmas break but decided to stay in session so that all students could be present for the Parker victory. “I was quite disappointed when I heard Winter break was canceled. Having school on Christmas was also not very fun.” Sam Meiselman-Ashen, Parker sophomore, said. “I just want to know who made this decision.”

“We decided to have school on Christmas as we wanted everyone to witness the win,” Head of the Upper School Justi Brandon said. “The closing also worked out as we felt it would be more equitable to keep the school open in order to avoid giving special treatment to a religious practice and belief system. Equity is our number one priority and this was able to contribute to that.”

The final game score was 131-42, and Parker was very happy with the outcome. “I thought our team played well and did a nice job of taking advantage of Latin’s weaknesses,” said Gabe Gross, Parker senior and captain of the basketball team. “People have been saying that Latin was at a disadvantage; however, I disagree. Only having four players is basically the sam five and not have any coaching makes no difference at all.”

Most Parker fans were happy after the win but Noah Jennings was still not satisfied. “Somehow even after graduating I still can’t escape the rules of Parker,” said Jennings. “Mr. Bielizna still managed to confiscate my drums.”

Latin was not happy with the results or circumstances of the game. “I am unsure of who at Parker is responsible for the scheduling of this game, but they are a disgrace. I was not even told about this game until I had left for my vacation in Mexico,” Latin Head Basketball Coach Dave VanderMeulen said. “The games will not be counting toward either team’s records by the time I’m done here.”