Enumclaw HS Senior Night
10/21/2011
It wasn’t another cold and wet football game at the newly renovated Enumclaw Stadium. For 14 seniors it was their last chance to showcase their talents in front of their rambunctious home crowd against Bonney Lake.
Known to locals as “Pete’s Pool,” the stadium was originally built in 1938 as a result of the New Deal under President Roosevelt. In subsequent decades, Pete’s Pool became notorious for its crown, and sloppy playing conditions after the midway point of the season. During the 2010 football season, the Hornets were unable to play their final game at Pete’s Pool when the field was condemned due to an inadequate playing surface. Enumclaw Stadium hosts Green River Community College and numerous grid kids’ games every week, which caused the grass field to turn to a mud pit midway during the season.
The Enumclaw community had too much school pride to allow their final home game to be played at a neutral site again. In one year, an impeccable fieldturf playing surface was installed for the Hornets Football Team. Since the home grandstand has been designated a historical landmark, which only allows renovations to take place.
Despite a 1-6 record, a steady rainfall, and a school play (Dracula) being performed across town, the city of Enumclaw still came out in full support. With signs covering the fence line in honor of their seniors, the hometown community was prepared to give the seniors a memorable curtain call.
The pre-game ceremony began with a personalized introduction for each of the 14 seniors, which culminated with the Wicklund twins. Each player shared his fondest football memory and what he wants to be remembered for. After the coin toss, a five-member band of seniors preformed the National Anthem.
The Panthers of Bonney Lake came to play spoilers. After scoring on their first two possessions it appeared the Panthers were going to run away with another victory. The Hornets settled down and were able to slow down the Panthers’ offensive onslaught, and got on the board with a touchdown with just over two minutes left in the second. The Panthers answered immediately with a score in the remaining two minutes to build a 25-6 halftime lead, which eventually lead to a 45-13 victory.
Despite the lopsided Bonney Lake victory, the support of the Enumclaw faithful never wavered.
Enumclaw High School continues to epitomize what it means to have a solid foundation of community and school pride. For years, the community has supported its high school athletics and activities by attending and donating to the many events. The city of Enumclaw has set the bar high for the other communities in Washington when it comes to the support of its local high school.
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