S.O.S: Save our Sandwiches

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Kelsey Knoche and Alley Adcock, People Editors
May 6, 2010
Filed under People

Imagine finally making it to your lunch period after a hectic morning and taking out your favorite sandwich to enjoy that first scrumptious bite. You then set down the sandwich for a brief moment and…bam. It is gone. Smashed to crumbs in front of your very eyes. This scenario has become a very real picture in the cafeteria at AHS, with the “Sandwich Punch” spreading quickly through students.

The game has resulted in an official group on Facebook for AHS students which includes the rules as well as bylaws and FAQ’s about the “infamous sandwich game.” The information even addresses rare instances that might occur, such as acts of God (hurricanes, wind, etc). The page describes, in detail, many different scenarios that might occur during play, with everything from simple rules to specific circumstances. Those who join the group are informed that they are now officially a part of the game, and as per the rules they are a “player for life.”

Senior Nathan Clayton is credited with bringing the game to AHS, having been introduced to it by AHS alums John Copenhaver and Daniel Noelle. “I told [seniors] Daniel Blasser, August McCarthy and Chris Sheehy and we told the world,” said Clayton.

“Whoever came up with this game should  definitely be given an award,” said McCarthy.

Clayton says his favorite part of Sandwich Punch is “seeing the victims’ face after you have demolished their sandwich; you known they have been waiting all day to eat it and you’ve ruined it. Not too many things can bring such satisfaction,” said Clayton.

One such victim was junior Katie Panther, who had her sandwich destroyed by fellow junior Eric Reynolds. “I was upset and confused because I didn’t actually know about the game. Now I get a free sandwich from him though,” said Panther. “I find the game quite enjoyable because it gives me something fun to do during boring lunches.”

“It ruined my day when Anthony Banaszak smashed my sandwich,” said junior Andy Craig.
McCarthy says the game gives him “a rush of adrenaline after a successful smash. It also keeps your mind focused during lunch because you never want to be the sucker getting his sandwich punched.”

The game has even come to classrooms, such as a recent Environmental Systems class when Blasser jumped up during class to smash classmate Logan Miller’s oreo. While the cookies are not made with bread, it is stated in the rules that they are included as part of the game as “the package clearly states that it is a sandwich cookie.”

The rules do prohibit the inclusion of tacos, burritos, pitas, wraps, calzones, etc. while stating that sub sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches and any other sandwich with two pieces of bread are subject to be smashed.

Although the game is  e njoyed by many some students do not agree with the actions of the sandwich smashers. “I find the game really weird because food is for eating not for being destroyed, I refuse to be part of the game,” said junior Katie Bui.

“My favorite moment was when I tricked someone into punching an uneaten sandwhich. We took the bottom slice of bread so it looked like a regular sandwich and a girl came along and illegally punched it,” said McCarthy.

Clayton’s best experience with the game did not come at school, but rather with friends of his. “One weekend, it was about two in the morning and John
[Copenhaver] had been saying how hungry he was, then he made a terrible mistake. He set his sandwhich down to grab some ketchup and I swooped in and destroyed it. I have never been so proud of myself,” said Clayton.

Stories like these have become common among AHS students, with game strategies being discussed often in the halls. “The boys get really into it at lunch. I will only punch a sandwich if it is right in front of me. I will not go out of my way to punch one. I always protect my sandwich though,” said senior Maggie Bermingham.

“I really do not care for the game and I definitely don’t want it to come to my lunch table,” said junior Victoria Ko.

The game has definitely made a profound impact on the 2009-2010 school year, and many are already curious to see whether the game will be played next year as well.

“I definitely plan on continuing the tradition of the game next year. I will play the game during the summer and bring it back to school next year for another round of entertainment,” said Craig.

Word of the sandwich punching has even traveled to AHS parents who are not only confused by the game but outraged that their hard work every morning could be for nothing if their child’s sandwich becomes the victim of a vicious punch.

“I do not like the idea of my child’s sandwich being destroyed especially when I take the time to wake up early and make it,” said AHS parent Mary Gavin.