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, | 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, | 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, | 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, | 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, | Single leg takedown, double leg, Fireman’s carry, cradle, pin Team won 6th straight Section Champs title | Jaime Levi asked, "What is a “pin” in wrestling?" |
Cheerleading | Paige Priola, | Choreographed dance to “Thunder” | Lena Carpenter asked, "What makes a good cheerleader?" |
*Unable to attend: boys volleyball team, bowling team, wrestler Sixx Cook