As of October 6th, the 15 senior football players and 2 senior cheerleaders will no longer be an athlete on the Don Richards field, but will be buying a ticket the next time they attend a game. When these athletes were freshman, they had no idea it was going to fly by this fast, and can not believe their senior night is already over. These players have built bonds and relationships with countless of many people these past four years, from coaches to teammates. Not only was this a sad night for everyone, but there was also a very exciting end to the night.
Throughout the night there were many tears, while there was also so much laughter. There were so many lasts happening throughout the night and they were very emotional.
Senior Cheerleader Clover Wagner says, “Senior night was more than what I ever expected. I have been cheering since 8th grade, and I never imagined senior night would come this quick. Walking down the field with my parents just soaking it all in. The last time I would get to hold the sign for pre-game, the last I would get to hear the band play on our home field, and the last time I got to cheer with my friends. It was something I would never forget. It was such an emotional night, while I also was so happy with all my accomplishments. It was just bittersweet. Before the game started I opened my gifts from my teammates and coaches. I got a blanket with pictures from cheer, a personalized megaphone, a senior sash, bracelet, and a picture with all my teammates signatures on it. While I was opening my gifts I got very emotional because I felt like I was reliving all of my favorite cheer memories.”
While there were many lasts happening throughout the night, there were also a few firsts throughout the night. The bulldogs had many accomplishments throughout the year, and especially that night. This night showed how the seniors’ hard work for the past 4 years have paid off.
Football player Samuel Gillis said, “Since I was 4 years old and this being my 14th season, I have put my heart and dedication into this sport. Playing for the last time on our home field in Don Richards stadium was very special to me and all my teammates. The 15 seniors on the team have worked hard for the past 4 years for this exact moment. Something I have accomplished this year is getting player of the week, from the senior night game. It felt great to be nominated player of the week. Seeing the whole Cortland/ Bazetta community rallying behind me was a great thing to be a part of.”
The seniors this year have had a much more successful season this year, than they have had the past couple years. The seniors, freshman year they won 1 game while losing 7. Sophomore year they didn’t win any games. Junior year, they came back a little bit better with going 3-7. As of right now, their progress throughout their high school football career has jumped tremendously being at 4-5 there senior year, with still one more scheduled game to go. The Bulldogs have also made it to the playoffs this year, which is the first time this has happened all four years.
Senior football player Tyler Hovance said, “Senior night was a great night, everyone was excited especially all of us seniors. We knew we needed to go in and win and that’s exactly what we did. It was awesome because it was the first time I’ve seen Lakeview win a senior night in my career and it just so happened to be my senior year.”
Overall, senior night was a very special night. This game also got Lakeview into the playoffs, which is the first time in years this has happened.
