Homecoming brings 1000th game and first-ever parade

Homecoming plays an important part in many student’s high school experience. This year Stillwater homecoming was exceptionally memorable with it being the 1000th Pony game. For seniors, their last homecoming may have been bittersweet.

The 1000th Pony game was memorable for students, teachers and coaches. Matt Hemenway, math teacher and sophomore football coach, is proud of all the history in Stillwater because it was the first city in Minnesota, which makes us one of the first school districts in Minnesota to reach 1000 games. It also shows all the pride we have in our school according to senior Megan Ramberg and junior Alexandra Snow.

“I think out of all the schools in the metro area Stillwater has so much spirit and when you go to sports games you can tell we are united and really get into it and go full force,” senior Megan Ramberg said.

To Ramberg, since Stillwater students have so much spirit and support for each other, it makes the 1000th game even more important to her.

“We all stand as one school,” Ramberg said.

Ramberg always enjoyed going to homecoming whether it was the 1000th game or not. The homecoming football game was something every student could relate to for over 150 years. Having the 1000th game shows the authentic support Stillwater has. For Ramberg, the game was really special because it was one of the last football games she will watch before she moves to Europe. It is a really extraordinary game to end her Stillwater experience which makes it bittersweet.

“It gives us a chance to show our spirit in a fun way because you are going with all your friends,” junior Alexandra Snow explained.

For Snow, homecoming was all about showing her spirit and supporting the players on the field. With it being the 1000th game we are not just supporting the players on the field but the past players as well, and the past students. Stillwater schools was founded in 1850 and the 1000th game was meant to show appreciation and support for all the teacher and students that have gone through Stillwater since 1850.

“It shows a deep support for all departments,” Snow said.

At homecoming everyone comes together for the football team. The cheer team, the Chevals, the pep band, the few senior citizens that get to be crowned homecoming king and queen, students, teachers and coaches.

“There is a lot of history and the fact we had 1000 Pony games is just amazing,” Hemenway said.

Hemenway has been teaching for Stillwater since 1999 and volunteered on the varsity football team for his first year at Stillwater, since 2000 he has been coaching the sophomore football team. The first college football game took place on Nov. 6, 1869, which means Stillwater has been involved since day one. Hemenway believes the amount of history in Stillwater is amazing. The 1000th game goes to show how long people have been supporting Stillwater for.

The 1000th Pony game is so memorable because it does not show support for just the current football players, but for all the students and staff that has been involved with Stillwater since day one.