Schools

Absegami Football Team Looks to Make School Spirit Part of Tradition

For the first time, the football team, the band, the fans and the cheerleaders gathered to rejoice in the school's fight song following Friday night's win over Egg Harbor Township.

As the Absegami High School football team broke its huddle following on Sept. 9, coach Dennis Scuderi Jr. looked at members of the media and said, "Just give us a few minutes," and the whole team raced over to the stands where fans, cheerleaders and the band anxiously awaited their arrival.

It was time to sing the enjoy the school's fight song.

With senior offensive lineman Mike Ottaviano acting as the band's conductor, the school's marching band belted out the school's fight song in celebration of the victory and the start of a new football season. Quite possibly, it was also the start of a new tradition.

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"It was the first time ever and I want it to become a tradition," senior wide receiver/defensive back Kyle Wiggins said. "We want to get the whole school together. We feel like if we do that, we can show our appreciation for the band for coming out."

Friday afternoon was also the first time the school held a pep rally for all sports. The first day of the fall season for most sports was Friday.

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"It was nice for all the sports teams to come out and be together," Wiggins said. "I think sports can bring the high school together. Sports is the most enjoyable part of high school, to me."

"They show us appreciation, and we show we appreciate the band coming out and showing support," junior quarterback Rashad Kinlaw said.

Scuderi said the new post-game ritual was something they wanted to start last year, but it just never got off the ground.

"It's all about school spirit," Scuderi said. "We wanted to do it last year, but we never got the chance. This seemed like the perfect way to kick it off."

The rally won't only happen after a win, but if Friday night is any indication, a win makes the post-game celebration a little sweeter.


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