What’s Been Going On: Senior Night
On February 23, 2018, the James W. Dold Gymnasium would house one of the biggest crowds of the season. Including Senator fans ranging from parents, friends, and community members, the stands were filled with support for this year’s senior athletes. Along with the nostalgia of Senior Night, the game played on February 23 was a big one for the Washington Township Boys Varsity Basketball Team; the team was set to play the Morgan Township Cherokees.
Earlier in the season, WT and MT Basketball Teams went head to head in the first round of the PCC Tournament, where Morgan Township took the win over Washington. The Senators were deteremined to win with the opportunity to play the Morgan Cherokees again. After a well-played game, the Washington Township Senators did just that by defeating the Cherokees 75-52.
Senior Dylan Clem said, “It was a great last home game for our team, especially the seniors. This win allowed for us to leave our mark on the Washington Township Basketball Program. Along with winning this game, we won the first Round Robin title for our school.”
The Washington Township Boys Varsity Team has had a remarkable season, due to the dedication and chemistry the players have on and off the court.
Clem also stated, “Being a part of this team was very special. We are all friends off the court and I think that is what allows for us to play so well on the court. We all had a role into making the team successful.”
Along with the senior basketball athletes having a memorable night, seniors from the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, Varsity Dance Team, and the Pep Block were recognized.
“I love coming to the basketball games because of the atmosphere. As a fan, it is really cool seeing it all come together - you’ve got the game, the cheerleaders, and the dancers at halftime. I’ve loved getting to be a part of it all. Being part of our fan section is awesome!” said Senator fan, Madison Batthauer.
All in all, the senior presentation was an honoring moment for all involved. For coaches, they say goodbye to players they have coached for 4 years while welcoming in their new batch of players, for parents, it is the last time they will see their child wear the “WT” jersey, and for classmates, they get to cheer on their friends one last time, cherishing the little time they all have left with one another.
Student Spotlight: The Seniors
Washington Township’s graduating class of 2018 is one of Washington Township’s largest classes, and those numbers showed on Senior Night. The Senior Night presentation consisted of 13 seniors: Basketball players Dylan Clem, Brock Pappas, and Zach Little; Cheerleaders and dancers Ashley Porzel, Anna Penwitt, Hannah Baldwin, Rebecca Skrzypcak, Jordan Nugent, Jasmine Ellingen, Gabby Ross, and Kelsey Fleming; and pep band members CJ Brown and Ben Stewart.
Team Spotlight: Varsity Cheerleaders and Varsity Dancers
Washington Township’s Varsity Dance Team performs at halftime at home games. Their routines range from different choreography styles such as hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and pom pom.
Hannah Baldwin said, “I would describe the whole dance season as an unforgettable experience. I met new people, made new friends, and got to be a part of a truly amazing group of girls."
This year’s seniors have made their mark on the program, from officially making Dance a Varsity Sport, to winning the first PCC Championship title in school’s history for Dance. The sport has become a staple to the WT basketball atmosphere.
In regard to winning 1st place in the PCC Tournament, Kelsey Fleming said, "It was an amazing feeling to win with this team! Our school has never done that before, so for all of us, and especially the seniors, it was very exciting!"
Many of the Washington Township Cheerleaders are also on the Varsity Dance team. They cheer until about halfway through the second quarter of games before quickly changing their outfits to take the floor with Dance and changing once more to make it back on the sideline by the third quarter.
Senior Anna Penwitt has been doing both Cheerleading and Dance all 4 years of high school.
“I’ve loved getting to be the spirit of my school, from being on the sidelines to the halftime show. I have made amazing memories these past four years,” Penwitt said. "If given the chance, I would re-perform our homecoming routine. It was so fun to dance to the band playing and it was awesome to see the crowd react so positively. It always helps when the crowd is as into the routine as the dancers are!”
Spirit Spotlight: The Student Section
Another important aspect of basketball season at Washington Township is the Student Section: Pep Block! This year’s senior class was all about bringing energy to both the home and away basketball games this season. Senior Carson Cunningham was responsible for coordinating attire themes for the Pep Block. Different themes included Pajama Night, Camo Night, Patriotic Night, Neon Night, Luau Night, a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness, red and black school colors for Homecoming, and superheroes for the PCC Tournament. With each game, the crowds that came out to support the Senators grew bigger and bigger. That kind of support doesn’t go unnoticed from the basketball team.
Brock Pappas said, “This year’s student section was very energetic!”
Zach Little added, “Compared to years past, the student section was very big and really loud – it was awesome!”
Advisor Spotlight: Mentors
This year’s senior athletes would not have been able to reach the amount of success in their athletic careers without the people who dedicated their time into developing them in their sport. For the basketball players, that person was Coach Bowersock. For the Cheerleaders and Dancers, it was Coach Pieffer and Coach Starr, and for the Pep Band, it was Mr. Thompson.
Along with the coaches, athletes also have the utmost amount of appreciation for the parents for being their biggest fans throughout the years. Without them, they would not have the courage to pursue and follow their dreams.
What’s Next: Making the Most of What Time is Left
As for senior year, time is dwindling fast. The seniors have approximately nine short weeks before they say goodbye to Washington Township. These next nine weeks will be filled with lasts and bittersweet memories. The Class of 2018 plans to cherish the rest of the good times while they last.