The CHIEF February 2019

Wrestling Women Pave the Way in 2019

By Madison McDormand

PTHS Pep Band By Alyssa Rodriguez This year, Pontiac Township High School has opened the doors to a new chapter in its wrestling history. Special thanks to the coaches and strong women who have risen up to fight for girls wrestling to become an IHSA recognized sport! In order for women’s wrestling to become an IHSA sport, the program must continue to grow and become more recognized. Despite being a new division, the girls have already had duels, meets, and tournaments with schools also looking to set up a girls division. Setting up a woman's division opens new opportunities in an otherwise male dominated sport. The female wrestlers are proud to represent their school alongside their male peers. The program hopes to make women in wrestling a more common occurrence in the sports world. On January 10th, the Pep Band had its first appearance at a game this basketball season. Even though Pep Band started later in the season than usual, the students came to cheer loudly and proudly for their fellow Pontiac Township High School Indians. The band students also performed that Friday playing songs such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Smoke on the Water,” and the traditional color song. Going into February, the band will play during the home basketball games throughout the month. While the band enjoys playing at football games during the marching season, and the peaceful music of concert season, it is usually a favorite of the band to do solely Pep Band music. The songs played are usually more pop and or classic hits that the audience knows from the first two notes. During Pep Band performances, the band plays between JV and varsity, the beginning of the game (national anthem and line up), and finally they play all of half time. This is always a chance for members of the band to be involved with supporting other students in different activities and to just enjoy playing music.