S-F football night all about community

One doesn’t have to like football to enjoy high school football night. That’s because in many towns, it’s about more than just football, it’s about community.
That was certainly evident last Friday night in Spring-Ford High School’s home opener against West Chester East. My kids have been, and still are, in the Spring-Ford school system, so I have been to some football games over the years.
The good guys won 63-12, but for me, that’s only part of the story. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere, the band, the cheerleaders, and the mascot. Spring-Ford’s mascot — Rowdy Ram — is particularly entertaining this year, interacting with fans, especially the younger children.



And I’ve always loved the band. My high school band in central Illinois was directed by Dr. Lawrence Fogelberg, father of the late singer-songwriter from the 1970s, Dan Fogelberg, and the inspiration of one of his greatest songs, “Leader of the Band.” So ya, we had a pretty good band.
Unfortunately, the Spring-Ford band didn’t perform a halftime routine for the first game, instead deferring to the visiting team’s band for that honor. But the S-F musicians did it up big and loud from their perch in the bleachers, so I got to enjoy a performance just the same. I am particularly fond of the tuba section.
The cheerleaders, of course, also help complete the experience, although I must admit, as a card-carrying member of the Dad of Daughters Club, I sometimes worry that the high-flying aerial routines will result in injury. But I’d have the same concern if I had a son in helmet and pads knocking heads on the field.
All in all, high school football night is a great way to get a relatively low-cost evening of entertainment. But more importantly, it provides a wonderful sense of community, the benefits of which one can’t put a price on.
Did I mention you should go out and see Rowdy Ram? The youngster in the suit is a hoot.

Spring-Ford's 'Seussical' simply spectacular

Who doesn’t like Dr. Seuss? I always enjoyed reading the books to my kids when they were youngsters, especially “Hop on Pop” and “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.”
So it wouldn’t really be much of a stretch for me to enjoy last weekend’s performance of “Seussical” at Spring-Ford High School. That in and of itself would be good enough, but the fact that Younger Daughter was the stage manager for the production made it even sweeter.
I never underestimate the high school productions in this area. They are wonderful opportunities for young people to showcase their talents. While I’m more familiar with the Spring-Ford performances because I have a daughter who has been involved with them throughout her high school years, I’m sure other parents with children in other area schools feel the same as I do, as they should.
Under the direction of teacher Aimee Oblak, the kids did a fabulous job with “Seussical.” It looked to be a lot of hard work by everyone involved to stage this show. And the orchestra, led by musical director Joseph Perry, was absolutely stellar. I love seeing young people have the opportunity to explore their musical talents.
Of course, I’m biased because I have a daughter who was an integral part of the production. While I was impressed with all the performers, I have come to particularly like watching the work of Adam Speelhoffer, who played General Gengus Khan Schmitz in “Seussical.” He’s one of Younger Daughter’s pals, and seems like a decent kid on those times that I’ve met him, which probably explains why I like him. In addition, he is a fellow of size, like me, and he has a stage presence that I quite enjoy.
As you can see by the accompanying picture, Younger Daughter was quite pleased with Saturday evening’s performance. According to her, there were no glitches from the stage manager’s perspective. I’m so proud of my baby girl and I’m happy that she was happy with the production.

SFHS production of 'Beast' a real beauty

Spring-Ford High School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” last week was fabulous, and I say that as a proud father whose daughter was involved in the show.
Younger Daughter has been on stage for many years dancing, singing and acting — ever since I can remember, actually. I so enjoy seeing her perform. But recently she has taken and interest in learning other aspects of theater arts.
Last year, she was onstage in the school’s production of “Peter Pan” and also doubled as makeup artist for some of the characters. For “Beauty and the Beast,” she was assistant stage manager and makeup artist.
As I watched the talented Spring-Ford kids perform onstage, I couldn’t help but think about what Younger Daughter was doing backstage. She detailed for me afterwards the rush surrounding wardrobe changes, makeup touch-ups and other goings on behind the scenes. It all sounded quite exciting.
The Spring-Ford kids really know what they’re doing on stage and back stage. And the musicians in the orchestra pit also were outstanding. It’s apparent that the teachers involved in producing the show have high standards and are able to get the kids to execute that vision.
Certainly, I am biased on this issue. On stage or back stage, it makes a dad proud. Well done, Doodle.