Senior night shines bright
Seniors’ goodbye is a bittersweet 42-6
Senior Cole Nowak fights off Hawks for senior Stefano Giovannelli to throw the ball Oct. 19. Park lost to Chaska 42-6.
October 20, 2022
Park stadium was decked out with banners, senior portraits and supportive fans Oct. 19. The Orioles’ final game of the regular season against Chaska was also their senior night — a night to recognize the players who have to say their final goodbyes to Park.
The Orioles ultimately took a 42-6 loss. This game will lead the team into sections, where they’ll fight for a chance to go to state.
Senior Owen Winecoff said that despite the score, there was a lot to value within the game.
“Everyone played well, we just had certain plays that didn’t go our way,” Winecoff said. “As a team and as a whole, we’re a lot better than what the score shows.”
Defensive coordinator Rob Griffin said that opportunity and good health is key to the success of the players.
“Football is a game of reps and we have guys out there that haven’t had enough chances to rep what they’re doing,” Griffin said. “We got a shot if we can just be healthy for sections.”
Senior Henry Bendickson emphasized the importance of senior night for underclassmen.
“This is my fourth year (on the team). I’ve seen a lot of seniors come and go, and I’ve seen many players go through a lot of stuff,” Bendickson said. “On senior night there’s a ton of emotion. It’s a big night for the younger players, more so than the seniors. They have to say goodbye and see what their future will look like.”
Griffin said senior night is an affectionate night for both the seniors and the rest of the team
“You don’t get a whole lot of games,” Griffin said. “When you know it could be your last one at the place that you grew up, it means a bit more. (It’s) always an emotional night for me because I don’t know if I’ll get to experience it with them again.”
Senior Rocco Serrano said he will not only miss the sport itself, but also the bonds formed with his teammates throughout his season.
“I’m going to partially miss the football aspect, but more so being around these guys from summer through school,” Serrano said.
Bendickson said he struggled with saying goodbye to his teammates.
“I’ll miss the community,” Bendickson said. “I’ve been around these guys for a long time. It’ll be tough saying goodbye to them. They’re my family.”
The Orioles’ next football game will be the week of Oct. 23. Time, date and location have yet to be announced.
