![Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. "This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school," Williams said.](https://www.utimesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9117-1200x800.jpg)
The U. City fall sports banquet held at the end of October in the gym was a first-time event and, according to Athletic Director Coach Oligschaeger, “It was a complete success and worked out great.”
This year, Coach O. wanted to recognize the student athletes, their parents and the coaches in a bigger way. He decided to expand on the previous end-of-year sports award night and instead do a banquet at the end of each sports season (fall, winter, spring).
“The intended purpose is to let coaches speak about how proud they are of the athletes and thank the parents for their support,” said Coach O. “The turnout was great–my only concern had been that the number of parents who would show up would be low because this was really for them.”
Coach O. estimated between 225-250 students and family members attended.
When the student athletes and their parents arrived, they were greeted with a slide show projected on the wall which displayed images of student athletes in action. Senior Mar’Tez Reed produced the show in yearbook class and took most of the photos.
“It was pretty cool being able to see pictures of me and my team on screen,” said junior Julian Askew of the boys swim team.
After everyone got settled, Coach O. delivered the opening speech. Then the guests enjoyed the food and drinks catered from The Pasta House.
“The food was great, after a long day at school, the food really made the day better,” said football player Tristan Hill, senior. “Plus, the Pasta House is pretty good.”
Dinner included two types of pasta, salad, bread, soda, tea, water and lemonade and the guests flowed smoothly through the two lines.
After dinner, Coach O. introduced coaches who spoke about their team’s record and awards for individuals.
“I was a little nervous about speaking in front of a huge crowd, so I figured if I let them eat first they would be quieter and more attentive and they were,” said Coach. “That made it so much easier for me and the coaches to speak. I liked to hear about the accomplishments of my athletes but I loved to hear them scream for their coaches.”
