Three Cheers for the Blue and Gold--and a Lot of Other People

Last night was St. Peter the Apostle School's homecoming, and even though the Rams didn't quite bust through that big blue wall that was St. James's defensive line, the evening was a big success in many other ways.

The celebration started with a pep rally immediately before the JV football game. All the cheerleaders and the pep squad demonstrated their award winning jumps and stunts before the eighth graders put on a show for the students, faculty, and parents by dancing Gangnam Style with Mills Thompson dressed as the popular South Korean performer PSY. Aren't they a hoot?

Look at Lawson and Adam busting a move on that field. 

 

Following that thrilling performance (Michael Jackson couldn't have done any better), the cheerleaders and football players had a cheering contest. That event brought back memories. The boys cheered, "Firecracker! Firecracker! Boom, boom, boom!" That was the first cheer I ever learned. I think I was six at the time. Elizabeth Way and I used to stand in her front yard all the time and yell that cheer. And I hadn't heard it since until yesterday afternoon. 

  The boys have got the muscles....

 

They modified the words a little bit and said that the girls have hairy legs, but otherwise they did a really good job. Mills served as the judge, so it only made sense that the football players would win the contest.

 

It was a good thing they won that because the game didn't fare so well. But everybody knew St. James would be a tough contender. Their players are just so darned big! But the Rams didn't let the game get their homecoming down. 

 

Between the JV game and the varsity game, the eighth graders and their parents were recognized on the field. Holly Price and LeAnn Sells did a splendid job of making sure that event came together. 

 

 

So many thanks go to them for that. And speaking of words of appreciation, some recognition should go to other folks who make the St. Peter's football season so memorable and enjoyable:

 

Many people don't pay much attention to who's announcing the game, but the Rams have their own Larry Munson in the press box at O'Brien Field. And it only takes one game at another school's field to recognize what a difference our game announcer makes. Not only does he offer play-by-play commentary at our games, but he also entertains us with groovy music that makes us dance in our seats, even when the Rams are down a few points. So the next time we meet at Coach's Corner, let's all raise a glass to Clint Fonseca, who volunteers his time and electronic equipment every week for the sake of our entertainment.  

While we're at it, let's all raise a glass to Susan Daly also. Always at St. Peter's sporting events, this Rams mom is constantly ready to offer her medical expertise when a player suffers an injury. Unfortunately, she's had to walk on that field a few too many times this season, and we're all glad the results turned out okay. But many thanks to Susan as well. 

 

Our cheerleaders didn't win their awards without the help and support of several St. Peter's parents. Holly Price, LeAnn Sells, Erin Thompson, and Lucy Fonseca have given so many hours of their time toward the Rams' cheering squad that our girls should make up a cheer just for these women. So here's to all of the goddesses of the goal line! At season's end, we'll crack open a cold one for you. 

I was lucky to get this photo of Erin Thompson. She just doesn't stand still!

 

Speaking of Thompsons, our team would be lost without the hard work of Carmen Thompson, keeper of the stats, communicator for the coaches, and guard of the game officials' parking spaces. Carmen fulfills an often thankless job for the school, so here's my online expression of gratitude:

Thank you, Carmen!

The mom who's da bomb!

And then, of course, our coaches deserve a word of thanks for their daily work with thirteen adolescent boys who often prefer to play the game their own way but sometimes realize that when they do what their coaches tell them they have some stunning plays (like that beautiful completed pass from Adam King  to Drew Tison last night). Our team wouldn't be where they are today (at the playoffs) without Lawton Tison, George Miller, Barry Dodd, Tommy Harrison, and Scott King waxing poetic from the sidelines: "Way to be there, baby!" "Don't let him get behind you!" "Keep your eye on the ball!" "Block him! Block him!"

And whenever there's a mishap, such as Adam King's jammed thumb (rendering it not so opposable), William Autry is there with a jug of water, a roll of tape, and words of encouragement.

What's so commendable about all this effort is that several of these parents don't even have kids going to St. Peter's anymore. They dedicate their time and energy because they love the school and they love these students. So St. James may have taken home the victory last night. Other schools might have more money or fancier uniforms or larger student bodies, but St. Peter the Apostle is rich in community and volunteer service. So to all you parents and St. Peter's alums who give so much to the school, you might not think we notice your efforts, but we do.