By: Hannah Williams
Streamers and balloons decorated the fences around the track on Friday, Aug. 25. Everything was blue; including a few extra bleachers. The bleachers, along with stadium lights were bussed in earlier that week. The lights stood around the football field, buzzing loudly, as fans sat eagerly waiting for the game to start.
This varsity football game, unlike others held every year for the past 48 years, was being held at home on Oak Park soil, a first in the history of the high school.
“I’ve always felt we needed to have home games at Oak Park. I’ve always felt just wrong about Staley—DAC—games. It doesn’t feel like home,” said senior Cody Hendren, who is also a varsity football manager.
Hendren, like many other faculty and students, was excited to hear that the game was being held at Oak Park. Casey Vokolek, athletic director, began planning for the game in early August.
“Coach [Chris] Holt and I discussed the possibility of creating a positive atmosphere to excite not only the people and students of Oak Park, but also the community as well,” Vokolek said.
Holt, like Vokolek, believed it would start the year off right and promote a beneficial atmosphere for the players and students.
Physical Education teacher Candace McCall felt the school spirit as well.
“Well you know, I’m an Oak Park alum…This feel great to be at home, truly home,” McCall said. “To look over and see our own school is pretty sweet.”
Students that were at the game, sitting or standing in the cheering sections and scattered about the hill felt the same way, including freshman Natalie Greenig.
“I’m in ninth grade and Oak Park is playing on home turf…it’s pretty cool,” Greenig said. “I was really psyched about today because I got to see my friends and cheer on O.P.”
Football players were also feeling the buzz of excitement surrounding the game.
“It’s the first actual home game here,” said sophomore Michael Fields. “I practiced real hard. I’ve been putting in more effort practices and stuff.”
A lot of effort and work went into putting the historical game together, according to Vokolek and Holt. Parents in the booster club, PTSA, and the End-zone club also contributed to the cause.
“We [PTSA Booster club members] came in at 3 p.m. yesterday [Thursday, Aug. 23] to set up lights. We didn’t leave until 11 p.m,” said PTSA Booster Club president Mark Macken, who is also the father of junior football player Kyle Macken. “Vokolek ran everything and we did all we could to, you know, help make this possible tonight.”
Parents like Marcy Wiswell, mother of junior football player James Hooten, were also feeling good about the game and its historical value.
“It’s exciting and thrilling,” Wiswell said. “His [Hooten’s] dad and I both went to school here and it’s exciting to have the boys play on their home field…it gives me chills.”
Oak Park lost to Grandview, 48-23, and their next game is away at Northtown on August 31st at 7 o’ clock.
“I think it’s a new beginning,” senior Ray Saari said, “not only for the team, but also for our student body.”
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