As the Spartans’ football team rushes onto its home field for the last time during regular season play, its 30 senior members will be celebrated. Senior football player, Caleb Carius, fondly remembers playing under the lights at Spartan Stadium just a year ago during his varsity debut. On Friday, he will be playing under those same lights, but this time as his Pleasant Valley football career is coming to a close.
The class of 2018 has greatly impacted the Pleasant Valley football program in many ways. Head coach, Rusty VanWetzinga, stated, “The seniors have done a great job setting a high level of expectation for our football program.” VanWetzinga also mentioned, “Our seniors have really embraced changes that have been made, and worked well with our junior players which has created good team cohesion.” Carius mentioned work ethic as a distinguishing factor of this senior class’s successful run.
As the Spartans take on Dubuque Hempstead this Friday, the football players are not the only seniors that will be recognized. The senior cheerleaders will also be acknowledged for their dedication and Spartan spirit. Additionally, senior members of the Spartan Marching Band, the senior Sparkles cheerleaders and the Shining Stars dancers, as well as the senior dancers of the Pleasant Valley Platinum Dance Team will all be recognized.
The senior cheerleaders have constantly supported the Spartan’s football team whether they are at home or away, through both rain and shine. Senior member of the varsity cheer squad, Emma Elceser, says, “I have bonded with people through cheer who will be in my life forever, who I would never have met otherwise.” On Friday, the Spartans’ cheer team will be commemorating its ten senior members.
During the halftime show, the seniors of the Pleasant Valley Platinum Dance Team will be continuing the tradition of performing a dance that was choreographed by its three senior dancers. Senior co-captain of the dance team, Rebecca Abdullah, said, “I have gained leadership experience and developed a strong work ethic by being a part of Platinum.” The marching band will also be showcasing its 65 senior members by giving a senior-led performance as they play together under the lights one last time. Senior co-section leader, Jenna Ruccolo, said, “Marching band has given me the opportunity to meet some of my best friends and expand my leadership skills.”
All of the football players, cheerleaders, dancers, and band members being honored this week have made Friday night lights a remarkable experience for the past four years, and for that the Pleasant Valley community says “thank you” to its valuable, memorable seniors.
