Homecoming is one of the most memorable and enjoyable events a student will experience during their time in high school. There are a variety of traditions and activities that students can participate in to encourage Homecoming spirit, one of these being Powderpuff. The Powderpuff girls’ flag football game, an event to raise excitement, is a long-standing tradition at high schools nationwide. At Wakefield High School, this game will take place on Sept. 24 in the Stadium.
The beloved Powderpuff tradition dates back to the 1940s, originally created to give women the opportunity to play a predominantly male sport. Even now, as flag football becomes a more popular sport at Wakefield, the Powderpuff game holds a special place in the hearts of students. Powderpuff brings a competitive aspect to the activities students can attend during Homecoming week to raise spirit for the men’s football game on Sept. 26. Not only is it incredibly exciting for the girls, but it is also equally enjoyable for those who attend the game.
AJ Elms and Peter Stanicek, two of last year’s junior class coaches, expressed their excitement for the tradition and what they look forward to this upcoming year. After a win last Homecoming, they are hoping to come back strong this year for another.
“Our first win last year was really exciting for the girls,” Stanicek said. “We need to see where the girls want to be [this year] and then we’ll go from there.”
The Powderpuff tradition showcases the athletic talent of the girls at Wakefield throughout two different games. Freshman versus sophomores at 6 p.m., and juniors versus seniors at 6:30 p.m. The four teams representing each class are coached by members of Wakefield’s very own football team, giving them an opportunity to share their knowledge and skills of the game.
“It was fun trying to teach all the girls how to play a sport that we love,” Elms said. “[I also valued] seeing them get to enjoy the sport that we like to play.”
Powderpuff is not only a way to raise school spirit for Homecoming, but also to enjoy time with friends. Girls from each class form a team to compete against the other classes. The way the teams are created pushes girls in the same grade to connect and become closer. Camryn Veasey is a junior who has previously participated in Powderpuff; she talked about how the game was a great experience and a way to bond with those in her class.
“[Powderpuff] was a really fun time for all of us to be able to play [together] because we don’t always play the same sport,” Veasey said.
Veasey talked about how Powderpuff brought her and her friends together during the Homecoming season. This tradition was founded to do exactly that: rally students, staff and families together to get excited about homecoming. The game also has the ability to make the community come together, fostering friendships that can last a lifetime.
Sara Barlett is another junior who participated in Powderpuff as a way to meet new people. Barlett was a freshman when she first participated in powderpuff, and was hoping to meet new people. This is what Powderpuff is all about. Coming together to participate in a fun game of flag football to raise school spirit.
“I enjoyed [Powderpuff] a lot, and it was just a good way to connect with people that I never knew, ” Barlett said.
The ability to meet new people and make new friends is one of the best parts of high school. Powderpuff is a vital tradition because it provides the chance to foster connections. Having events that can result in friendships is crucial to the high school experience. That is why this game is so important. It helps friends make memories to remember for years to come.
“[Powderpuff is a] good way to bring out your school spirit and to connect with other people,” Barlett said.
