Eastern View High School (EVHS) has been buzzing with excitement over the past few weeks, all thanks to an unexpectedly intense school-wide staff foosball tournament. What started as a casual idea has evolved into a fierce competition that has united teachers, paras, office staff, and custodians like never before.
Organized around the teachers' planning blocks, the tournament has seen participants engage in thrilling matches throughout the last several weeks, culminating in nail-biting showdowns that have left everyone on the edge of their seats. The anticipation was building as each block winner vied for the coveted school-wide title match.
"We wanted to create an opportunity for our staff to come together, have some fun, and build camaraderie," explained Katie McWilliams, Director of School Counseling. "But what we got was so much more - intense competition, friendly banter, and friendships forming where they didn’t exist before."
McWilliams shared that EVHS is a large building that operates on two floors, which makes it difficult for staff to interact with everyone. This idea came up as a way to connect people from all over the building with others that they may rarely see. The result has exceeded expectations, it has been a chance for colleagues to connect on a deeper level, forging bonds that extended beyond the foosball table. "Here's to more 'forced fun' in the near future!" she said.
"We've had teachers meeting coworkers they've never spoken to before," remarked one enthusiastic participant. "It's been an incredible experience, bringing us all closer together."
The Elite Eight of the entire school completed their matches by Wednesday, March 6 and included :
Block 1: Teaira White (TDT) vs. Sara Joyner (PE)
Block 2: Austin Pickett (Science) vs. Dan Jenkins (History)
Block 3: Zack Sprunger (Counseling) vs. Kendra Siever (CTE)
Block 4: Troy Foster (ISS) vs. Major Phillips (CTE)
Sara Joyner (PE), Dan Jenkins (History), Zack Sprunger (Counseling) and Troy Foster (ISS) emerged triumphant in the Elite 8 matches and were set for the ultimate showdown on Friday, March 8, 2024.
"We're pulling out all the stops for the final match," declared EVHS Principal Dr. Bopp in a video message to the school. "There will be popcorn, a fog machine, and entrance music for the finalists. It's going to be an event to remember!"
The much anticipated event arrived Friday morning, with the entire staff in attendance. The Final Four made their way down the stairs to music and cheers. Foster was unable to attend the final matches, so the 4th block runner-up, Major Marada Philips played in his place. Nik Anderson and Duane Eatmon were the emcees for the event and the Eagle soared around the table while the Final Four contenders went head-to-head for glory. Jenkins defeated Joyner in the Final Four and Sprunger defeated Philips, setting the stage for the Championship match.
With major prizes on the line and bragging rights at stake, EVHS School Counselor Zach Sprunger reigned victorious as the EVHS Foosball champion. What’s next for the EVHS staff? There just might be an air hockey showdown in their future!
