If you polled all CHS students about their favorite event of the school year, chances are most would say Cougar Weekend. It’s a really great introduction to the young school year; there are sports, friends, and lots of fun involved. Many fall athletes also love the weekend, as it is typically the most people that they’ve ever had come and watch one of their games. The environment is unmatched, and there’s something special about representing your school in front of practically the whole town. Many of the fans have a great time, cheering on their classmates and friends. This year, I had the privilege of attending both the soccer games and the football game, and it truly was a special experience.
Friday night started off strong with the Girls’ game. Although kickoff was at 5:30, the bleachers were packed at least a half-hour before, showcasing Cougar Nation’s dedication and school spirit. The crowd roared when the team ran out, unveiling their freshly dyed pink hair. The game got off to a blistering start: two goals in the first ten minutes, including a screamer from way outside the box by the opposition. Although the game soon settled down, the crowd did not. There were spontaneous cheers of “let’s go Chatham” breaking out practically every minute, and every dribble, clearance, and slide tackle energized the crowd. In the second half, a beautiful sunset engulfed the field, displaying brilliant pinks, purples, and blues. It was a truly fitting display for a night like that. Our Girls ultimately prevailed over Sparta, much to the excitement of the crowd.
Not long after, the Boys took the field. I was lucky enough to play in this game, and it was a fantastic experience. Though they had just sat through a long game, the dedicated crowd remained in the bleachers to support us. The bleachers were packed with more than just students; family, friends, younger athletes, former coaches, and fans of the sport were all present. The tremendous display of support was touching, to say the least. Temporary lights at the field also turned on close to kickoff, illuminating the field and allowing everyone to see in the dark. There’s something so special about night games, especially in Chatham where they scarcely occur. Chatham, on the back of second-half dominance, went on to win 3-0, and the crowd stuck through it despite the temperature dropping significantly (due to the threatening nor’easter on the horizon).
Football was the next day. Despite the freezing temperatures, wind, and rain, most of Cougar Nation was at the field hours before kickoff. Many students were inappropriately dressed for the occasion, wearing just their white Cougar Nation shirt despite the weather, an act that exemplified both the stupidity of teenagers and the ultimate dedication of Chatham’s fanbase. Talks to reschedule the game had gone nowhere, so, much to the joy of the students (and horror of the parents whose kids would be out in the poor weather), the game was on. The football team likely wished the game had been postponed, though; the rain stymied their typically active passing offense. Chatham fought hard despite the weather but ultimately succumbed to a strong opponent that was much better suited for the conditions (West Morris, who were undefeated at the time, only attempted five passes the entire game). It was a tough game, but Cougar Nation’s support never wavered, as most fans stayed for the entire game.
Although the weather threatened to derail the weekend, it did not disappoint. Nights like these one will be lifelong memories for all of us, and it is important to cherish them, for you are only a high schooler once. The one bad thing about the weekend is that we have to wait another year for it to happen again–unless, of course, the oft-discussed spring Cougar Weekend is finally implemented.
