Prepare for Powderpuff
April 22, 2023
As the weather starts to get warmer and the fields begin to thaw, this year’s powderpuff season is coming in hot. After last year, which was the first year of Reynolds doing powder puff against each individual grade, many are looking forward to seeing what is in store for this year’s games. Katie Cockman who played as the quarterback for the Junior team last year is eager for the new season to come.
“I am playing this year and I could not be more excited,” senior Katie Cockman said. “Win number two is on the way.”
Last year the juniors took home the trophy after a long day of playing for the title, however, Powderpuff is not only a chance to play some football but is also a chance to help out in the community. Lucy Neelon started powder puff last year at Reynolds not only to build school spirit but to also raise awareness for a great cause. It costs around $20 to play but not only does the money go to being a part of something fun and active but the proceeds also help support others.
“All the money that we make is going to be donated to the Winston-Salem mental health association,” Neelon said.
Neelon wanted to help make an impact on fellow students and neighbors of her community by choosing to raise awareness for this association. Mental health can be affected by so many different things but as a society we all could see how COVID affected everyone and Neelon wanted to shed light on it.
“Specifically, COVID mental health became more of a prominent issue and I just wanted to do something to kind of bounce off the awareness that it had and to bring more awareness to it at our school because I know it is a very widespread issue and a widespread illness that a lot of people suffer with,” Neelon said.
Mary Catherine Colo will be speaking at the final game day this year to help spread even more awareness of mental health and Morgan’s Message which is an organization that attempts to stop the stigma surrounding the mental health of athletes. The game will be on May 20th at Bolton Field.
“We raised over 1,000 last year but obviously I want to do more so I want to raise more money, raise more awareness to it, and hopefully get more of the student body involved in it with like you know advertising for it but also just like playing in it, coming and supporting.” Neelon said, “You know just being a part of it, whether that if you actually play, wanna do the spirit squad, wanna come watch, get a t-shirt whatever it is just getting more diversity and people involved in it.”
This year there will be sponsors to help spread the word and raise even more money for this amazing cause. As more advertisements for this event grows, preparations for this event strengthen. Powder Puff doesn’t just teach students how to play football but it connects them at a new level to the sport.
“It makes you appreciate and understand football more which is something I wouldn’t have learned unless I played Powderpuff,” Cockman said.
Powderpuff has made such a positive impact on RJR students and the community and with the goals to exceed those accomplishments even more this season looks like it will be another hit.
“Everyone needs to play powder puff. I am sad I didn’t get to play all 4 years, so I highly recommend everyone to play,” Cockman said. “The energy is so fun during the powder puff season is unmatched. It is something you do not want to miss.”
When you come to support the teams, make sure you are on the lookout for the spirit squad. They are sure to bring a whole new level of energy to game day.
Although last year’s powder puff season was a big hit, Neelon continues to want to make it bigger and better this year! High hopes for this year make it look like it will be a huge hit.