The flag football Senior Night event Oct. 17 celebrated the seven seniors on the varsity flag football team: Madi Allen, Alex Maday, Emma Rabe, Alex Salazar, Natalia Takeuchi and Leah Wilson. Before the game, each senior recognized a teacher that had an impact on them during their time on campus and walked with their families while Coach Travis Mougeotte read a biography about them.
“I chose Mr. Daniel Parker for my teacher appreciation because he was one of the only teachers to make a significant impact on me,” Allen said. “He gave me a safe place to go to during school and practice.”
“There’s a lot of us injured right now, and so from the sidelines we do our best to just cheer as loud as we can and support the team,” Maday said. Even though we can’t be on the field we can help keep the energy up. I’ve lost my voice after almost every game from yelling so loud.”
Allen said this season was positive and uplifting. The community including the players and the coaches was like a family bonding together, being there for each other during their ups and downs. Allen’s experience on the team was exactly like that, saying that the team and coaches motivated her to keep her head up and push to her hardest.
“Flag football has taught me to keep pushing forward and receiving or giving any motivation is always helpful no matter the circumstance,” Allen said. “Also to always try in anything and everything you do and there will be results for that.”
After the freshman football game, the varsity flag football team walked out, all wearing their senior shirts. Coach Ana Jones handed each senior a bouquet of flowers. The announcer then called out seniors by name and read their letters of gratitude directed to their families. Last, they got to stand with their teacher they chose to appreciate and got that letter announced as well.
“I felt my Senior Night experience was really special. I really enjoyed being surrounded by not only my family, but a lot of my teammates, who I admire and love,” Salazar said. “I’m going to miss playing and ending the season. I really do admire everyone on that team, I’m going to miss the relationships that I’ve made, the friends that I’ve made and all of the people.”
Assistant Coach Cory Maday said this season was something he’ll always remember, and that it was the best coaching experience of his life. He also said he was grateful to be able to coach the team, specifically his daughter, and to get to watch her grow as a player and a person.
“Just the opportunity to coach my daughter and watch my other daughter play on JV – it’s been amazing,” Cory Maday said. “I just can’t wait to see what [all the seniors] do in the future, see where they go and see the people they become.”
