Once a year, students gather in the main gym to watch the senior class square off against the teachers in an intense game of basketball. Students are eagerly awaiting watching match-ups such as track coach Sean Miller and varsity basketball post Khalid Kamara, who may very well be key to the bragging rights of either side.
This annual ritual is traditionally an opportunity for students and teachers to come full-force to support their side. The class of 2013 will host this year’s student vs. faculty basketball game on April 17, from 2:30 to 4 p.m in the main gym, with $3 admission.
According to senior class president Noah Fitzgerel, the officers and sponsor, Lindsay Friedman, have been preparing the event for a few months.
“We started forming teams since the senior breakfast in February,” Fitzgerel said. “We always plan a few months beforehand, and the first thing we do is handle matters with the administration. That encompasses reserving spaces and remaining cognizant of our limits.”
In addition to working with the administration, the officers have worked closely with sponsor Lindsay Zivney to ensure the success of the basketball game.
“The senior class sponsors the basketball game each year as a fundraiser for Prom,” Friedman said. “I’ve basically been helping the students with organizing the events and supervise what they’ve been working on. I helped them secure coaches and order uniforms and will order concessions. Other than that, [the officers] have been doing all the publicity, securing referees, getting donations for halftime, and will begin selling tickets for $3.”
In addition to the actual basketball game, the class officers have planned halftime competitions and prize giveaways, such as gift cards to local restaurants and stores, the majority of which have been donated by students who work at said locations.
Also introducing a change from the student vs. faculty basketball game held last year, the class of 2013 won’t be the only organization involved with the event.
“We’re actually having an outside organization come in to help run the halftime activities,” Fitzgerel said. “Mrs. Friedman’s marketing students are working closely with them to make a plan.”
The senior class expects a full house, much like the first student vs. faculty basketball game held last year. The event has also been modified so that it attracts more students.
“I would love for everyone to come out that can make it,” Friedman said. “The cost of admission is $3, which is cheaper than last year, and it’s also scheduled on a late bus day so hopefully that is convenient for students who might need a ride home.”
Besides raising money for the senior class, the student vs. faculty basketball game is also meant to be a unifying and fun experience for all involved and attending.
“I truly think that AHS needs more events that help students and teachers get to know each other better outside of the classroom,” Friedman said. “Experiences like this are a great example of providing a stress-free environment where everyone can just have a good time without any pressures of homework, assignments or exams.”
“It was really interesting to see the teachers playing basketball,” junior Jasmine Pringle said. “[My favorite to watch was] Mr. Miller because he was my freshman year world history teacher.”
According to Pringle, members of the track team were required to attend the student vs. faculty basketball game last year, a [requirement] that only added to the success of the event.
“Well, I’m hoping a lot of students show up because it’s not everyday you see your teacher in a t-shirt, basketball shorts and sneakers playing basketball with your fellow classmates!” senior class secretary Nardos Assefa said. “I’m also hoping many teachers show up so they can see their co-workers and cheer them on.”
As far as sportsmanlike conduct goes, both the senior class officers and sponsor have no worries about the behavior of their players.
“Last year was certainly a great example of how students can develop a friendly rivalry and enjoy themselves and help the senior class,” Fitzgerel said.
Business teacher and boys varsity basketball team head coach Matthew Behne is the faculty coach while senior Omar Khatib is the head coach for the senior team. Assefa will be an assistant coach.
Assefa found many of the student players through word of mouth, and gave them the necessary forms to play in the game. She kept in contact with them through email, texting and any other methods she could find.
“We had our first practice on Tuesday, April 2, and it went very well,” Assefa said. “Of course, I hope we beat faculty!”
Ultimately, the student vs. faculty basketball game is expected to provide a fun experience for all.
“Most importantly, the senior class just wants to provide a really fun event as we move into the fourth quarter of school and look forward to Prom and graduation,” Friedman said.
Alumni • Apr 10, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Except last year, one of the teacher ref played dirty calling random fouls when it was unnecessary