Going into my junior year of football, the team was presented the task of memorizing the school song so we could sing it after a win. Even though we didn’t sing it often, I can still recite the song on the spot.

As my last few days of high school wind down, and I say my goodbyes to Oriole athletics, I can’t help but think about our song and how it is a true reflection of my experience.

It starts, “We’re loyal to you, Park High. We’re orange and black, Park High.” Park athletes are proud to put on orange and black. Loyalty runs deep, as most of us have worn an Oriole uniform our whole lives and have a special bond with our team. I played my senior football and basketball seasons with the same guys as my fourth grade seasons, and nothing was more special than creating memories with them.

“We know you’re the best, You out-shine all the rest; For you’ve passed every test, Park High; Rah! Rah!” While at Park, I have learned to appreciate all sports. Here, the teams that are the best normally aren’t the most popular sports. No other school has a bigger fan base for sports like soccer and synchronized swimming, and it’s because they consistently prove they are the best, and we appreciate that.

Park athletes pass every test on and off the field, especially with the unfortunate amount of tragedies at Park. When the city was grieving the loss of Carly Christenson, the boys’ basketball team  took it upon ourselves to provide support. Whether it was the Carly shirts we wore before games or saying her name before we took the court, it helped people get through hardship, which is incredible.

“So make the ball spin, Park High; Let’s fight ’til we win, Park High.” I was on more losing teams at Park than I would have liked, but I never blamed losses on lack of effort. When people are constantly losing like our football team was, it is easy to give up, but we never did.

This is true in other sports, as most Park athletes fight hard until the final whistle blows.
“Good spirit we can afford, Forever we will reward.” We love our Orioles. Last year when the boys’ basketball team played at Benilde, we had five times the amount of fans as the home Benilde section. We turned their gym into our home court. Even though we didn’t win, our fans supported us throughout the entire game.

“O-R-I-O-L-E-S, A victory from you Park High.” This is the one verse that everyone sings; the rallying cry of an Oriole. As I close this chapter of my life, I just want to say thank you to St. Louis Park athletics. It was truly an honor wearing your uniforms, and I will never forget the memories I have created. Go Orioles.

What’s the point?

-I will never forget my time as an Oriole
-The school song is a snapshot of what Park is all about
-Take pride in your school and your teams.