Homecoming huddle

By Tristan P.

Homecoming: a time filled with tradition, festivities, spirit, colors, and energy. One of the best things of high school is being able to experience homecoming: the sounds of students screaming at the top of their lungs and celebrating their school spirit, and the sounds of instruments from the band to make it just as memorable. 

Roland-Story has been having homecoming since 1969, a total of 54 years. Students are reminded during this week how much support they have from the community. Parents and former students come to enjoy the parade, Powder Puff game, crowning of king and queen, and the Friday night football game. The tradition of painting the faces of middle school and elementary students leaves everyone with a smile that can last a lifetime. From dress-up days to the picnic on the field, and finally ending the week with the dance, homecoming week is filled with so much joy and memories. 

It is an extraordinary week, but what does it look like for the football team? Going into homecoming week, Roland-Story’s record is 3-2 in the regular season and 1-1 in their district. They face Greene County for the big game. The week of preparation starts bright and early at 6:00 am Monday morning. Players do a walkthrough in the old gym going through things expected from the opponent's offense. Players then move to their offense: changing personnel and adding plays. That afternoon after school players head to the auditorium to watch film of things they need to work on, followed by weights. Tuesday and Wednesday are normal practice days; repetition is the only way to get better. 

Thursday looks a little bit different. Practice is shorter and focused on knowing the plays and good technique. After practice, varsity heads to the commons where their wonderful parents provide a team meal. The team meal is spent laughing, making memories, and enjoying time together. 

Friday morning every football player heads to the elementary school to greet all the wonderful kids walking into the building. Seeing the faces of the kids instantly light up and being so excited to give a simple high five to all of the players is something the players will never forget. After school, the team has an entire timeline of pre-game events before it’s finally time to run out onto Kerry Van Winkle Field with the crowd roaring and the adrenaline pumping. Being a part of Roland-Story is so special, and players feel so fortunate for the things that they are able to do that some schools are unable to experience. 

This year’s team has yet to play to the best of their abilities, and they continue to see progress every single week. The average height and weight for the starting line is 6’1, 237 pounds, which includes Charlie Watts, all-district linebacker; Boaz Clark, all-district defensive back; Aaron Peyton, all-district offensive linemen; Jonovan Wilkson, all-district running back; and finally Hesston Johnson, all-district quarter back. This year’s team is full of some of the best athletes and people you can think of who have changed the football program from winning not a single game to being 3-2. 

If there is anything the team knows, it's that hard work pays off, and this team has it in them. With the help from the community, the loudest student section ever, and the amazing band, there is no reason the team should not beat Greene County at Kerry Van Winkle Field. Homecoming will not be complete without a win.

Location: Story City, IA 50248, USA

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