Sept. 21 marked Country Day’s annual Capture-the-Flag game at Ancil Hoffman Park, as well as the seniors’ last chance to break their three-year losing streak. However, things did not go their way – even before the game began.
The game went off to a slow start due to a misunderstanding with one of the bus drivers. After dropping the Black Team (freshmen and seniors) off at the park, only one bus returned to school for the Red Team (sophomores and juniors) instead of the usual two. As a result, the remaining bus had to make two trips to bring all Red Team members to the park, and the game began at noon instead of at the planned 11 a.m. start time.
However, this incident did not influence the teams’ spirits: While the Red Team played games, the Black Team practiced its chant and ate snacks provided by the Parents’ Association.
“(The delay) actually made me more excited to play,” sophomore Naomi Cohen said. “When I jumped out of the bus, I felt like the wait was finally over, and I was pumped.”
That energy seemed to flow through the rest of the sophomores and juniors, as the Red Team won, 287-140. Nevertheless, several members of the Black Team were uneasy about the Red Team’s victory – especially senior Grace Naify.
“I was frustrated because of the cheating and the poor sportsmanship,” she said. “(Some members of the Red Team) were painting over (the Black Team’s) signs that took us hours to make, and instead of celebrating their victory, they were mocking our loss. I just thought that was really petty. I wish we could just stay away from each other’s stuff and be friendly.”
Junior Jewel Turner, however, said the accusations of cheating were uncalled for.
“Overall, it was a good game,” she said. “I think both team cheated a little, and we were just happy for our victory. Games are more fun when you win.”
Because of the hour-long delay at the beginning of the game, traditional talks about upcoming school trips were postponed until the next school week.
Junior Jewel Turner paints a red stripe on junior Kaitlyn Canepa's hair. (Photo by Larkin Barnard-Bahn)
Junior Spencer Scott leads the red team in cheering the chorus of John Denver's "Country Roads," which became the team's main cheer. (Photo by Larkin Barnard-Bahn)
Before leaving for Ancil Hoffman Park, the Red team paints over the Black team's banner. (Photo by Arijit Trivedi)
Sophomores sit in a circle and play a game while they wait for the bus to take them to the park. Due to issues with the buses, the game started about 45 minutes late. (Photo by David Situ)
Senior Emily Hayes picks up snack provided by the Parents' Association at the Ancil Hoffman Park. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
The Black Team warms up after getting snack. The warm-up session was led by team captains Nate Jakobs and Abby LaComb. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
The Black Team sings "We Are the Champions" before the start of the game. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
The Black Team chants at the Red Team while the latter warms up. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Senior Jack Christian, captain of the Black Team, talks about strategies and rules before the game starts. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Senior Grace Naify looks back at her teammates. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Senior Jack Christian pours black paint on sophomore Allie Bogetich as the Red Team arrives at the park. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Sophomore Kenyatta Dumisani runs to save his teammates as a member of the Black Team tries to catch him. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
The Red Team walks back to their side after being rescued from the Black Team's jail. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Senior Joe Mo runs after junior Yumi Moon to try to prevent her from advancing into the Black Team's territory. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Students and teachers wait in line to get lunch served by the Parents' Association. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Junior Jewel Turner cheers after the Red Team wins the game 287-140. (Photo by Jacqueline Chao)
Freshmen head back to school after their first Ancil Hoffman Picnic. (Photo by Arikta Trivedi)
