The evening was crisp. The sunset started to take over the blue sky, filling it with orange, pink, and light blue, letting the bright lights of the area around fill the field. Names were being called out as people were coddled in their winter jackets, hiding from the cold, fall air. People were clapping and cheering in the stands as the names of seniors were being called and as the students stepped out into the field.
Warmth filled the senior athletes as they heard cheering for them, they were finally being recognized for their year round hard work during Senior Night. It was their last home game, and they would make it count. They would make it count until the last whistle had been blown.
Senior Night is an evening that is marked for 12th grade athletes that will be playing the last regular home game for that sports season. The one night that they have looked forward to since they started their sports career with their high school. Those student athletes will be recognized for their dedication and hard work to the sport(s) that they chose to play for their high school career
This is an unforgettable evening for families, teachers, and especially the student athletes that will graduate in the upcoming spring. Emotions run high for the athletes that will have to face the challenge of saying goodbye and welcome the new beginning to their life. Many others will have to face the challenge, the younger teammates, the coaches, and the parents that saw their children grow up. Senior night is a cherished time for all, it’s a way-point; showing the students that their future will begin soon.
Senior Night is especially popular in a growing town like Missoula. Majority of the athletes have played with their peers since they were children; they’ve grown up together and played alongside one another. Now, they have to say goodbye and part ways when the time comes.
Cross Country (XC)
Photo courtesy of the Cornelius family
Elizabeth Cornelius has been running since she was a child. She began to run competitively in Cross Country when she entered fifth grade. She continued her path in cross country throughout high school until she was met with Senior Night. Her nervous system ran high during that evening, she was getting a rush of emotions that attacked her all at once.
Elizabeth became shocked after the race, finally realizing that she wouldn’t be sharing her workouts with the team she bonded close with, nor would she run with them. Happiness engulfed her while she watched not only herself, but her fellow teammates grow over her high school years at Sentinel. Elizabeth faces another challenge of finding a college that will fit with her running, but she will run collegiately.
Football
Photo courtesy of the Schraeder family
Aidan Schraeder found his love for football when he was just eight years old. The excitement, teamwork, and the challenges that the sport brought had captivated him. Aidan had been able to grow and develop his skills throughout the year while wearing jersey number forty-five and playing as linebacker for Sentinel. Aidan feels proud of what he and his team have accomplished over the past four years.
As Senior Night approached, sadness was hidden by excitement; knowing that it was him and his fellow seniors’ final time playing on their home field. Every moment was soaked in, cherishing it for the last and final time. The bond that will be left in the past will stick with him forever, hidden away in his memories. Aidan has gained more than a friendship, he also gained more passion for his sport. That passion will continue to guide him to where he plays next.
Girls Soccer
Photo courtesy of Harper Woodall
Teya Lochridge was used to seeing her father coach from a little age, her parents piqued her interest when she was five years old. Her parents let Teya begin soccer, letting it start off as being a fun activity for her, not knowing that Teya will continue that activity throughout high school. Teya had shared laughs with her teammates, and she had to see her upperclassmen leave her behind; about to repeat the same action. The team environment comforted Teya and it had continued to build over the years, making a structural support system and overall fun for everyone.
Senior Night was difficult for Teya along with her peers, they ended up losing, which is something they would’ve particularly liked not to happen. Despite losing to Sentinel’s cross town rivals, Hellgate, the night was still special to the soccer player who wore number ten for the team. The emotions hadn’t hit Teya until the last game, not realizing that this will be the last time her dad coaches her.
Teya was still filled with happiness as her grandparents walked her out onto the field. Despite the loss, and the sharing of the last game. Teya looked on the bright side: this was just another life chapter that had to end. It was hard for her to grasp the concept that this would be the last time she’d be playing with the amazing group of girls.
Teya will soon begin a new chapter. She’ll be attending Grinnell College in Grinnell Iowa, playing soccer again. She’ll be able to form new bonds with the current and new teammates-she’ll get a new start.
Photo courtesy of the Rosenbach family
Reece Rosenbach’s childhood was filled with sports as she was starting to grow, but one had stuck with her more than she would think. Reece began playing soccer when she was five years old. Although she was little and had just moved to Missoula, she didn’t quit soccer. She continued to play throughout the time of her growing up. Reece had built multiple relationships with her fellow teammates throughout her time of playing, now knowing that moving was a blessing to her. The teenager who wore number eight will forever be thankful for their parents, putting in the effort and thought of setting up senior night every year.
Although it had been senior night, Reece felt surreal; she was actually a senior. Proudness overcame Reece, thinking about the accomplishments and hard work her and the team had put into everything. They competed the best they’ve had throughout Reece’s high school career. Reece won’t only be saying goodbye to her teammates, she’ll also be saying goodbye to soccer as she won’t be playing collegiality.
Boys Soccer
Photo courtesy of the Hoffman family
Porter Hoffman started off his soccer career with the Micro Strikers of Missoula, Montana at age five. He states that his parents ‘threw’ him into the sport and he hasn’t felt the need to change his path so far. He nor his parents realized that letting him get interested in the sport would stick with him until his high school years. Currently wearing number four for our boys soccer team and defending the soccer turf as a midfielder, Porter will miss the community that is provided to the players.
Porter confessed that he was more happy than sad about the season overall, proud of what he and his teammates had accomplished throughout the season. He couldn’t believe how quick his high school years had passed by, or his last and final season as a Sentinel Spartan. Porter has not decided if or where he’ll continue his college career of soccer, but he hopes that it’ll come to him soon.
Photo courtesy of the Anderson family
Maddox Anderson is currently the captain of Sentinel’s boys soccer team, wearing number three to represent the group. He and Porter both played for Missoula’s Micro Strikers, his parents decided to put him in the sport to be closer and make more friends. He decided to continue his soccer career throughout his childhood to teenage years.
Maddox will have to pass down the captain roll to his underclassmen, wishing them well and saying goodbye. Not only does he have to part ways with the captain’s responsibilities, but he has to leave the fun bus rides and the practices that he loved. Maddox was grateful for the games, he was also grateful for the parents putting together Senior Night. Thankful for the effort they put in to recognize the seniors, number three will be continuing his career beyond high school, ready to begin his journey again.
Volleyball
Photo courtesy of the Goldbar family
Sydney Goldbar was inspired to begin her journey of volleyball when she had watched her family friend, Darby, play. She decided to start playing in middle school, and continued to play the sport while wearing number thirteen for Sentinel. Sydney hadn’t paid much attention to her special night until it was approaching, “ I will be leaving all the underclassmen who were some of my closest friends that I’ve made”.
This player who wears thirteen will miss the team dynamic and the friends she has made throughout the sport, her love for volleyball will always be with her until her last game. Sadly, Sydney will not continue playing volleyball collegiality. Instead, she’ll be playing the other sport she loves for the college of her choosing, softball.
Thank you Seniors!
Senior Night can be sad for the student athletes. They have to say goodbye to friendships that have grown over the years, the coaches that have helped them grow, and the sport that they love. With the emotions running through their veins, it’s an emotional night for all. It doesn’t have to be sad though, some are happy that they’ve had this opportunity to meet new people and play their favorite sport. It can be hard, but it’s a new beginning that people have to face.
