Powder puff potentially becoming a thing of the past

Caitie Beth Shauck, General Staff
October 13, 2009
Filed under Opinion

A tennis ball is less than three inches in diameter and weighs less than three ounces.  But one tennis ball threatened to destroy a valued school tradition. 

For those who do not know what happened last year, a tennis ball was thrown, crashing into students in the stand.  This angered a certain student, who then decided to throw some punches. 

In light of events surrounding previous Powder Puff games, especially last year’s extreme behavior in the stands, the administration was faced with a decision as to whether it was appropriate to continue including Powder Puff in the Spirit Week activities.

Thankfully, longtime Powder Puff coach Edward Miller lobbied the administration, and the game will go on.  However, this tradition is in a vulnerable state.  If the behavior in the stands does not improve  chances are the Powder Puff game will be discontinued.

The Powder Puff tradition has become a huge rallying point during Spirit Week.  It is arguably the biggest promoter of class unity.  And this is exactly the point of contention that led to the dispute as to whether to continue Powder Puff.  

Class unity is incredibly important.  This is not to say that school unity is not important.  However, to be united as a class is crucial in a high school setting.  It gives students the feeling of belonging. 

Last year, as a member of the junior Powder Puff team, I was faced with great disappointment after the loss to the seniors.  However, there was one distinct moment after the game that still stands out to me when I felt completely supported by the others in our class.  Obviously, being able to look across the field and see the section of the stands decked out in blue was a great feeling.

Nonetheless, I was overcome with an even better feeling walking down the hallway on my way to pack up after the game was over.  This moment will always stand out to me.  A blue-clad junior, whom I had never once spoken to, came up to me and offered his fist for me to pound, saying good job. 

This is what Powder Puff is about.  It is about coming together with those who you see in class every day but never talk to and working toward a common goal. 

I play Powder Puff for the experience.  It is not about beating another class or about what color you wear. 

It is the opportunity for your class to be the best that it can be by supporting each other fully.  There is no other experience like it. 

Caitie Beth Shauck can be reached for comment at cshauck@jcpatriot.com