Hamilton High’s stadium was filled with pride on Thursday night as the school celebrated the first home football game of the season. Besides, what better way to kick things off than with a new field?
As the varsity team took the field against Serra High School, Yanks rolled out from all over to commemorate this season’s opener. Featuring performances from the dance team, cheer team, and the marching band, spirit was displayed all around. A new inflatable tunnel also debuted, helping the football team make their entrance in style. Many alumni even returned to watch our team play and support their alma mater, with graduation years ranging from a couple years ago all the way back to the ‘70s.
Before the game, #22 Thaddeus Breaux gave some insight into the team’s dynamic. “Yeah we all back each other up as a family, as a brotherhood, you always back up your brothers, you feel me?”
In fact, a big part of this game happened to be community. Proud parent Michael Butler echoed this sentiment, agreeing that the new field has helped bring people together. “It’s going to even improve the community engagement going forward,” Mr. Butler said. His son, #75 Micah Butler, is an SAS junior who plays for the team.
Mr. Butler also mentioned how he is always trying to get people to come watch games. “During practice I walk through the community and try to invite families to come […] check out Hamilton,” he said.
From the student perspective, the new field also has its perks. AMPA junior Ashton Hyde commented how the field’s facelift helps it feel more inviting. “I like the track, the field is nice,” Ashton said. “I like everything about it, the stands [too].” Hyde himself has been on the track team since freshman year, and believes the new field will help his sport as well.
Beatrix Farber, an AMPA sophomore, appreciated how people came out to support on game days. Being on color guard, she loves being able to see her friends in the stands when she’s performing during halftime alongside the marching band. “I’m so excited,” she said, “This is amazing and I’m hype.”
Although the Yankees fell to Serra (who rank #11 in the state of California), they are still feeling optimistic about their upcoming season. #19 Ethan Juarez shared some of his thoughts. “We have an amazing supporting line up, an amazing quarterback coming in, a three star lineman, a pretty good defense, and I think overall we’ll be able to perform well,” he says.
Amen Abdullah contributed reporting for this article.
