There are few events in high school that bring together athletes, dancers, musicians and the peppy, not to mention their families and Kirkwood alumni. There are few circumstances that lead teenagers to willingly spend their beloved Friday nights at school, a place students spend five out of seven days a week trying to get away from. Somehow, a KHS football game brings our community together.

In my history of three years attending KHS I have never missed a home football game. During my time at North Kirkwood Middle School I went to as many games I could find a ride to. I find this odd considering I do not understand or enjoy watching football. I would never turn on a football game on the TV.  I do not know the rules, nor do I see the appeal of watching men collide into one another to move a ball a few yards.

But you can bet I am at every KHS home football game proudly sporting red and white singing “Hail Kirkwood” at the top of my lungs every third quarter. What gets me there is the atmosphere. I absolutely love it. The smell of hot dogs, the sound of Mr. Kenyon’s voice over the speakers and the sea of red and white taking over Lyons Stadium. It makes me so proud to be a Pioneer.

I love the halftime show, watching our massive band maneuver around the field in rhythm. Watching the Pommies dance makes me wish I paid more attention in dance class all those years. The pep club sets the tone of the game and their energy feeds the crowd. It is amazing to me to see grandparents, high schoolers, parents, middle schoolers and teachers alive and enjoying each others’ company.

KHS football games are so much more than the football. It is about the Kirkwood community and student body coming together for a few hours on Friday nights in the fall creating an irresistible feeling of pride to be a Pioneer.

Click here to view the 2013 football schedule

Click here to visit the KHS athletics website