Faculty-Staff Basketball Game Provides Thrills

The Cougar Classic, one of Collegiate School’s most enjoyable traditions, took place last night when two teams of faculty and staff hit the court at Seal Athletic Center to showcase their skills and stamina.
Prior to tipoff, JK-8th Grade students played games of Knockout and enjoyed snacks. The game, which is organized by the Parents’ Association, featured 23 players from all three school divisions and various departments within the School, such as Activity Quest, admission and athletics.

Event co-chair Elizabeth Wiertel ‘96 remembers looking forward to the Cougar Classic when she was a Collegiate student.

“It’s such a fun night,” she said. “There’s just something incredibly special about packing the gym with screaming fans who are all cheering on their favorite teachers.”

Tatum Nolde ‘98, the other event co-chair, agrees.

“The teachers are always cheering on the students, so it is fun for the roles to be reversed,” she said.

After warmups, players subbed in and out and delighted the crowd of students and their families who cheered from the bleachers. Team green took an early lead with smooth moves from Cougar Quest counselor Chris Berry and strong shooting from Middle School history teacher Mike Ferry. The white team clawed its way back to within one point thanks to Junior Kindergarten associate teacher Nicole Jones, Middle School English teacher Wendy Moss and Middle School science teacher Farley Macdonald. A powerhouse dunk by Middle School physical education teacher Kevin Coffey (with an assist from Mr. Berry) at the six-minute mark awed the crowd and put the green team ahead 37-33. And at the end of 40 minutes, team green sealed a 43-40 win.

Jake McDonald, Associate Director of Summer Quest, helped recruit players and set up the rosters. He felt the event, his first at the helm, went off smoothly, largely because of help from the Parents’ Association and Collegiate staff.

“We get a lot of support from the Parents’ Association and staff,” he said. “And the students create the atmosphere and make it a fun-focused event.”
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