WOODBURY — Every game is important, but some have more meaning than others. Rivalries are known to be the biggest games of the year, but there are some sports that have a game with a special meaning behind it.
The National Guard game is a big event for everyone. It symbolizes the support for the branches of our military. For many teams to host this kind of a game, is a special night for all.
“I think this is a great idea, both from the school and the National Guard perspective,” says Nonnewaug principal Mykal Kuslis, an active member of the Connecticut Army National Guard. “From the school’s perspective, we gain a community member with resources to support our students. In partnering with the Guard, we are able to access their great deal of knowledge and resources from post-secondary college to post-secondary careers. From the Guard perspective, it increases awareness of what the Guard can offer. We currently are short of the recruits we need to fill our ranks, and the Guard advertises itself as a community organization. Games such as this support that mantra.”
The football and boys basketball teams host a National Guard game every year to represent our military. This year, the girls basketball team also joined them on the idea of a military game by wearing National Guard uniforms against Terryville on Jan. 21.
“Hosting a military game this year was actually the [idea of] boys head coach [Tim Fitzpatrick],” says girls head coach Bill Maisto. “He mentioned that they did it and I thought it would be great for us to take part in as well.”
For some, these games are special to see others represent something so strong.
“I think it has a positive impact on the community,” says Kuslis. “It shows that we have a partnership with an amazing organization and allows the Guard to impact the community they serve.”
Senior captain Emma Jackson also enjoyed the idea of the National Guard game.
“I think that it is really cool that we are able to do a game like this this year,” says Jackson, “mainly because we never have been able to before.”
The girls team will likely see these games in the future.
“It’s going to stay,” says Maisto. “It was a great night. We played great and we looked great.”
