Boonville - An Example of School Spirit and Community Involvement
Posted 9/29/2008 10:45:00 AM
Like so many other sports fans, one of my favorite times of the year is fall and everything that comes along with it: Friday night games, marching bands, pep rallies, fight songs, and the coming together of a team after a summer of dedication and preparation.

It’s the time of the year when student-athletes, coaches, teachers, families, and fans all share the same excitement.  So far during this season I’ve been able to attend many contests around town and during each of them, one thing has stood out: school spirit. 

Whether in the form of a creative theme for game night or an inspirational act that benefits those in a community, I’ve been amazed at the efforts that school leaders and students have put forth in coming together to display the pride they have in their schools.  After talking with the IHSAA staff about the examples of school spirit that they have witnessed, I found that schools around the state are doing some incredible things. 

Teachers, coaches, and athletic directors that I have contacted have been kind enough to tell me exactly what it is that makes their school stand out.  I’ve heard so many stories that deserve to be shared, and I would like to shine the spotlight on some extraordinary schools in celebration of school spirit and the many forms it takes.

Our first story comes from the Boonville High School volleyball team and head coach Mary Cox.  Last spring, Coach Cox approached her team with the idea to get the community involved in a cause to benefit those battling breast cancer and to recognize those who have survived their bout with the disease.  Coach Cox placed a call to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation to get the ball rolling, and the Lady Pioneers started selling t-shirts at games to raise money for the foundation. 

A few games into the season, they began noticing that visiting teams and their fans were purchasing just as many shirts as the home crowd to show their support.  As the community and its schools became more involved, Coach Cox and the administrators at Boonville saw an opportunity to take it to another level with a “Pink for a Purpose” theme night. 

For a September 30th match against Washington, the two high school communities will join together to recognize breast cancer survivors.  To coincide with the game, “Pink for a Purpose” will feature a silent auction with all proceeds benefitting the Komen foundation, and game officials will wear pink and use pink whistles during the match in their support of the cause. 

Boonville is expecting such a large school and community-wide response for the Tuesday night match that the athletic department is considering moving the event to the larger basketball gymnasium in order to accommodate the crowd size.

I encourage those in the Boonville area to support the school, Coach Cox, and the Pioneer volleyball program in their efforts to promote school and community spirit.  I look forward to sharing more stories from schools around the state. 

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to support their local high school athletes and witness the spirit for yourself!


- Toni Polizzi, IHSAA Intern

 
Posted By: IHSAA  
Comments:
Congratulations to Coach Cox, the BHS Volleyball team, the school, and the community for pulling together not only to support this worthy cause, but also for showing the world that the teenagers of today are good, caring, responsible and delightful citizens. Way to go, Coach and team!
Posted By Judy Campbell On 10/2/2008 11:20:26 AM
Way to goCoach Cox and BHS girls! I am a proud alum of BHS and a former athlete of Coach Cox. She has a passion for this school and community and she displays this positive attitude to her teams. What a great night is was.
Posted By Devona Heuring On 10/2/2008 10:52:28 AM
Way to go Lady Pioneers!
Posted By Mrs. Kempf On 10/2/2008 10:09:19 AM
Ms. Cox has done a fantastic job in her coaching career. This is just another positive proof of her full commitment to the sport and our community.
Posted By Marla Hendrickson On 10/2/2008 10:05:43 AM
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