As the seniors in four of Huntley’s beloved fall activities experience their final team dinners, senior sleepovers, and overall traditions, they prepare for the night that they thought would never come.
Saving the best for last, this year’s seniors have waited to make the most out of this night, ending with an exciting win against McHenry and the best memories with it. With that, there is always something special about each senior class; coaches, athletes, and parents reflect on what makes this class stand apart from others.
“Leadership in our senior class is significantly better than it has been in previous years,” senior football captain Ryan Wabel said. “People are holding each other accountable and making sure what they are doing is to benefit the team and not only themselves.”
With a record that led Huntley’s football team to the playoffs, they couldn’t do it without their most experienced athletes. Many of the seniors have strived to learn the most in years past in order to take on leadership to the fullest.
“This senior class is willing to sacrifice more for the betterment of the team,” Wabel said. “Whether it’s on the field or at school, we are trying to look out for the future of Huntley football.”
For their last home opportunity, the football team focused a little more this week, knowing that if they lost, they wouldn’t get the chance to be in the playoffs. Though football had countless seniors contributing to the season, cheer was able to step up for their underclassmen with only six.
“This year, we have the most underclassmen that we have had in a really long time,” head cheer coach Renee Fowler said. “So they taught them how to have a lot of fun, how to enjoy cheer, how to lock in, and they really had great leadership all football season.”
Cheer took on new opportunities this season and carried senior night traditions. One of their favorite traditions is allowing every senior to be a flyer to make their seniors feel in the spotlight. Also on the sidelines, the dance team made their night exciting and fun-filled by dancing with Raider Nation before their halftime performance.
“The seniors on RDT are a great group of girls,” dance team parent Cynthia Murphy said. “There are a lot of senior dancers this year and they are close friends in and out of dance activities. They love dancing, spreading school spirit, and having fun.”
After a great game, cheer and dance seniors stepped off the sidelines one last time as their crowns and sashes came off. Marching band seniors stepped down from the bleachers after playing their final fight song. Football seniors lined up to walk across the field to end their final home game**,** and it all set in.
For some of these athletes, their season ended with a successful night. For others in cheer and dance, they still have a season full of competitions awaiting them.
“We’re really looking forward to how they continue to lead this team throughout the competition season,” Fowler said.
These athletes have made their coaches beyond proud, whether halfway through their season or at the final opportunity to do what they love.
