small children seated on floor, older students standing on wall, gymnasium

Harry M. Fisher Elementary School was filled with cheers, applause, pompoms, and excitement as the school celebrated the winter sports season with a schoolwide pep rally on Friday, Jan. 3.

Representatives of the CVA Thunder varsity winter sports teams took time from their classes to travel to Fisher where the entire school gathered in the gym. Physical Education teachers Erin McKinley and Alex Prue introduced the team members, noting any major individual or team career milestones. The athletes then demonstrated their sports skills and fielded one question about their sport asked by a first grader.

More than just fun

The pep rally was fun for everyone, but it was much more.

The event introduces young and aspiring athletes to a wide range of winter sports. They watch and listen to "big" people who can do amazing things such as dunk a basketball. This may be the first time the youngsters have seen a particular sport. The day's happenings may sow the seed that produces the next crop of Thunder athletes. For the varsity athletes, it is a reminder that they are examples to young students. Those little eyes are watching and admiring the skills and accomplishments of the older student-athletes.

Here's a look at what each team shared and the questions asked:

Sport

Athletes*

Demonstration

1st Grade Student

Boys Basketball

Jaylon O’Neal,
Ray Watson,
TJ Luke,
CJ Judd

Dribbling, 3-point shooting, dunking

Jaylon has scored over 1000 points in his career.

Joey Liebert asked, "Who is your favorite basketball player?"

Girls Basketball

Payton Lynch,
Megan Canipe,
Sam Helmer

Passing, 3-point shooting

Payton has the record for scoring 8 3-pointers in a game.

Dash Allen asked, "What is your favorite  basketball team?"

Girls Volleyball

Brooke Burns,
Lauren Jory,
Morgan Russo,
MacKenzy Murphy,
RIley Bernier

Three types of hits: bump, set, spike

Sarah Phelps asked, "Can you kick the volleyball?"

Harper Schaffer asked, "How many point win a game?"

Indoor Track

Morgan Szeflinski,
Marcella Pronti,
Tanner Warren,
Cole Zuk

Starting a sprint, raced two students

Carmello Johnson asked, "What can you do to be faster?"

Ski Club

Peyton Hoffman

Skis and poles

Bennett Mosher asked, "What happens when you fall?"

Wrestling

Cole Wheet,
Ethan Randall

Single leg takedown, double leg, Fireman’s carry, cradle, pin

Team won 6th straight Section Champs title
Ethan - 100th career win
Sixx - 150th career win

Jaime Levi asked, "What is a “pin” in wrestling?"

Cheerleading

Paige Priola,
Katelynn Christman,
(whole squad )

Choreographed dance to “Thunder”

Lena Carpenter asked, "What makes a good cheerleader?"

*Unable to attend: boys volleyball team, bowling team, wrestler Sixx Cook

gym, student shooting basket, children on floor

adult squatting giving seated girl high five, gym, children sitting on floor

two students wrestling, others standing in background, gym

girl with skis, woman holding microphone

two girls hitting volleyball, gym

older student racing two young students, gym

girl shooting basketball, small children seated on floor watching, gym

boy speaking into microphone, man holding mic, gym

two girls passing basketball, gym