For the senior class, this pepfest means everything. The seniors got cheated out of the spirit stick last year, and this year they are going to do everything in their power to win the basketball musical chairs.

For the past 3 years, the senior class has won the game (unofficially). In 2013, Jake Elwell won for the then freshman.  That was the year the students stormed the court after the win. After winning the contest freshman year, Jake said, “It felt great winning. I didn’t know many people but made friends after the shot.”  Some tips Jake would include:  “Pretend the crowd isn’t there, shoot the ball and try to get it to go in. It is all about the win in the end.”

In 2014, basketball player Nathan Kavolak won it for the then sophomores.  Nathan, being a basketball player, still felt nervous during the contest.  “I was really nervous.  I missed the first 6 shots but never missed after that.”  Nathan suggests that this year’s contestants should posses some unique traits.  “We need someone who is a straight dawg, has that fight in them. Someone who isn’t nervous, has killer instinct.”

Last year, senior Ryan Jordan unofficially won by sinking the final shot first.  It was far less exciting due to their being a “presence” of authority in front of the junior bleachers.  Even though he did not “sit down” after, the seniors still count that as a win.  This was also the year the juniors were cheated from the spirit stick.  Looking back on last years contest, Ryan said, “I felt relief and excitement. Very happy I could come out and make the class proud, continue the tradition.”  Ryan also commented on how Mrs. Dengerud, technically won.  Ryan said, ”I still consider it a win because there were no students.  There was just a staff member left. I would have easily beaten her to the chair.”

This year, the senior class has a big responsibility to win it all again.  There are students talking about who should be the new candidate to win.  A lot of pressure is on the contestant for the seniors.  Some names that have come up more than once in interviews were Rocky Kreuser, Madee Brunn, and Adam Meyer.  Ryan Jordan said, “(Meyer) shows great potential.  Wouldn’t be surprised to see a win come from him.”
What started off as the little freshman finally winning a pepfest game and rushing the court, has now turned into a memory that will be remembered long after graduation.  If the seniors fail to capture the fourth win, will the past 3 be for nothing?