Goessel athletics benefit from large crowd
The Goessel Athletic Department hosted the community for its annual cookout on the same night as the teams held their preseason scrimmages. Hamburgers and hot-dogs were the options for the main meal with baked beans, chips and cookies. Parents of the team members served the meal and donations were accepted.
The cheerleaders and booster club were also present trying to drum up support for the activities of the upcoming season. Any community member that would like to buy a seat cushion for sitting at the games can find one from the cheerleading squad. Any patron who would like to be a booster club member can purchase a membership and embroidered shirt from booster club executive committee.
The junior high volleyball and football teams held scrimmages before the meal. High school teams participated in scrimmages after the meal.
Superintendent John Fast encouraged positive participation at all sporting events. He announced that although the track appears to be finished, there are still plans to improve the seating for next football season, which will include a press box, new seating and restrooms.
New senior high principal Curt Graves greeted patrons of USD 411 with his energetic style. He brought a chuckle from the crowd as he described his enthusiasm for student activities.
"We plan to have a pep rally tonight and before some of our athletic events," he said. "Since I want Goessel students to excel in everything they do and desire the community's support, we might even have a pep rally before the students take assessment tests."
The pep rally around the bon fire was postponed due to the direction of the wind, but the audience that stayed for the football scrimmage, encircled the cheerleaders on the football field, and showed their enthusiasm for the coming year.
A tailgate meal to support the booster club and its activities is planned for Friday before the Little River football game.