Disney theme showcases Homecoming

Princesses, dragons and Buzz Lightyear.

Are you ready for a magical Homecoming week?

The Disney-themed week-long annual fall event kicks off Monday with a parade down Maine Street followed by the Powder Puff game as Churchill County High school injects more school spirit into the community before capping off with a gridiron battle on Friday.

“Ultimately, Homecoming is about bringing the community together and spreading our Greenwave spirit and I have no doubt in my mind that we will accomplish that this year,” CCHS Senior Class President Rileigh Ricken said. “I look forward to seeing our community coming out and participating. We have so many people to thank — teachers, parents, clubs and students — all of whom come together during this week and make these amazing events possible.”

Student Body President Garret Kalt thought of this year’s theme, “Go Beyond Your Abilities,” which made it easy to express through Disney. Similar themes will be used for Winterfest and Spring Fling.

“We felt Disney was a great way to represent this for the start of the year because it’s inspiring and most people can relate to it,” Ricken said.

Major emphasis has been placed on the parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m., and will feature many floats from different clubs and classes at the high school. The marching band, JROTC, pep club, FFA, Young Republicans and the football and Powder Puff teams will have floats on display during the parade and at the football game.

“It really kicks off the Homecoming week and allows the community to come out and see all the clubs and participation that we have within our school,” said Ricken, who’s leading the event. “We really emphasize advertising for the parade. We put posters up around town as well as encouraged the businesses on Maine Street to decorate in accordance to our theme.”

Following the parade will be the annual Powder Puff game between the senior and junior girls at the Edward Arciniega Athletic Complex beginning at 6:30 p.m. A bonfire and car smash will conclude the first day’s activities at the high school’s dirt parking lot adjacent to the football field. For $10, you get three swings at a car with the proceeds going to the Grad Nite fund.

“The powder puff game is huge,” Ricken said. “It has gone on for years and it really kicks off the week because parents and fans are able to follow us from the parade right to the game and see the big rival between juniors and seniors. It’s a very fun event that many people enjoy attending.”

Ricken said the parade and game will set the tone for the rest of the week as she and the Student Council, pep club and Block F have been planning on the weeklong event since summer.

“It is a big deal both for our school and our community because it really sets the tone for how the rest of the year is going to go,” she said. “All of those things require small details to make it possible. Student Council plays a huge role because we decide the themes and the events that go on. The most challenging part of this is being able to coordinate it all into happening in such a short time. It really does come down to the last detail.”

Activities continue with a lip sync contest on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

The freshmen football team will take on Fernley on Thursday at 5 p.m., while the junior varsity and varsity compete on Friday beginning at 4:30 p.m. The school assembly is Friday. The Greenwave boys soccer teams will be on the field during the afternoon on Friday as well.

Every event matters to re-emphasizing school spirit on campus and throughout the community. With the high school at the center of attention this week, especially in a small community, it creates a more unique feeling compared to the larger schools.

“I think the experience of Homecoming is a big deal for every high school but I think it holds even a more special feel in a smaller community,” Fallon football coach Brooke Hill said. “We understand that we don’t compete with any pro or college teams. We can be a source of pride for the community and we embrace that idea.”

With his team recording one of the best seasons in 30 years, Hill said it’s important that his program enjoy the experience but remember to keep focused on the task of playing Fernley. Fallon has had good success on Homecoming with its last loss three years ago against Spring Creek. Fallon’s had memorable games against North Valleys in 2005 when Fallon won its most-ever games since the late 1980s, when Hill was the quarterback. The 2003 squad snapped a hefty losing streak on Homecoming with a 42-0 thrashing of South Tahoe.

“We want the players to enjoy the experience of homecoming. It should be a fun time,” he said. “But we remind them of the importance of staying focused, which should not be a problem considering our opponent is an outstanding team and rival.”