Warsaw Middle Schools Put Aside Rivalry To Help Fight Cancer
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Since 1990, Warsaw Community Schools has had two middle schools, each with its own sports teams. The competition between the two football teams got a little “cutthroat” over time, but that has lessened in the last three years as the two schools have helped fight cancer, according to Edgewood Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tracy Horrell. Tuesday evening, Edgewood and Lakeview middle schools played their seventh- and eighth-grade football game at EMS. It was the third year for the intra-city “Pink Out” game. The volleyball teams have their “Pink Out” game at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, also at Edgewood. Horrell said he and Lakeview Assistant Principal Matt Deeds wanted to take the focus off the intra-city rivalry. With the schools having a week where their football and volleyball teams competed against one another, the plan was formulated to use the week to raise awareness and money for the battle against cancer. Proceeds from the ticket sales of the athletic events this week will go to the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund through the K21 Foundation. Money also will be raised this week through T-shirt sales and other school activities. At this week’s athletic events, players, cheerleaders and fans wear pink to show their support for the battle against cancer, and parts of the football field were highlighted in pink Tuesday, including a pink paw print in the center field. In the first year of the “Pink Out” games, Horrell said they raised about $1,600 for the cancer fund. He won’t know this year’s total until later this week, he said. “It’s bigger than just the game,” Horrell said. “Kids are learning they’re playing a game, but also helping the community.”
