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Juniors take big win in 2006 “Reindeer Games”

Huntington- Tied for last place with the sophomore class after two events, the Class of 2008 improved their standings in the “gift wrapping” event to climb to 2nd place.  A big win in the “Snowball Fight”  (dodgeball tournament) gave them the ultimate prize: first place in the annual Reindeer Games at Gateway High School and bragging rights for the rest of the year.

The games opened during the last block of school on December 21st. with each grade sending in teams of 10 to compete in the Snowman Toss—a beanbag toss into a cardboard snowman’s mouth. 

Competition continued with new teams of 10 decorating flat, paper Christmas Trees—blindfolded.  The seniors held the lead after the first two events.

Things began to change with the “Gift Wrapping” event: each class had a human gift stand perfectly still while a relay race ensued.  Partners (em…a “Santa” and a “Reindeer”) worked together to travel the length of the gym to a pile of wrapping paper, ribbons and bows.  The trick was having Santa stay on his/her “sleigh” (a small board with wheels underneath) while the reindeer pushed it the length of the floor. The team then rolled back to their present with a piece of wrapping and taped it in place.  The official judges—teachers—reviewed the final results and awarded points for the most complete wrapping job, and for the prettiest present.

The freshmen were 10 points ahead of the juniors and sophomores, with the seniors trailing by 5. It was a close contest, whose outcome would be solely determined by an extensive “Snowball Fight” (a.k.a. dodgeball tournament).

Grade level teams of six players competed against each other (girls against girls, boys against boys) and in the end it came down to a contest between the senior and junior teams.  The drama was heightened by the cheers of the entire student body, while music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra blared in the gym. Despite an absolutely heroic effort on the part of senior Colin Powers, juniors Tyler Craig and Doug Messer were able to both stay in the game until time was called. 

“You have to do something like this a couple of times a year to reward everyone’s hard work,” said Principal Kathleen McSweeney. The event was organized and run by the school’s Student Government, with president Hannah Long serving as emcee.

It was a close contest: juniors won with 95 points, freshmen placed 2nd with 85 points; seniors took third with 80 points, and the sophomores earned 75 points on the day.

These points will be added to the cumulative spirit points for each grade; at the end of the school year, the class with the highest number of points will win the annual Spirit Trophy. 

Freshman Jessica Hopson participated in the ‘Gift Wrapping’ event during Gateway’s annual Reindeer Games.  The freshmen took the lead after that event, but the juniors big win in the ‘Snowball Fight’ gave them the ultimate win.