This year's emcees, Seniors Quinn Oswalt and Kwade Kirchartz
This year's Homecoming and Fall Pep Rally was held in the gym on Friday, October 7, as part of the preparation for Homecoming festivities. Students from each grade were asked to participate in the various activities below and sport their white for the White Out football theme that evening. They competed for the coveted trophy which was brought back as a BHS tradition this year after it mysteriously disappeared a few years ago. The pep rally featured the Court Dances and crowning of the king. It ended with a crazy, competitive, and boisterous round of musical chairs.
Donut Eating Contest
Senior Jackson Beck takes the win for the Seniors.
Senior Class President Britta Lindgren collects the trophy.
Junior Coulter Christie, Senior Jackson Beck, Freshman Nate Sofaly, and Sophomore Matthew Blubaugh prepare for battle.
3... 2... 1... EAT!
“I enjoyed watching the musical chairs.” - Freshman Nate Sofaly
“The obstacle course was funny.” - Freshman Mikayla Coury
“ I loved watching Nate Sofaly stuffing down the donuts for the donut eating competition.” - Freshman Joah Martin
“The court dances were very fascinating.” - Freshman Mariah Kaiser
Cheerleaders, Band, and Fall Sports Recognition
As part of the pep rally, the cheerleaders and marching band performed. During this time, Fall Sports were also recognized, including the captains and seniors for each sport.
The Marching Band has been continuing their journey of excellence in the world of competition again this season, taking second place in their first two competitions. They have two more competitions to go this year and are working to bring home another first-place trophy this year. Outside of competition, the band is very excited to watch the Bucs have such a great season. Make sure to stick around after the homecoming game to catch the halftime show.
Drum Majors: Emily Marchlewski & Leah Leslie
Colorguard Captains: Katie Armstrong & Sammy Bibza
The Cheerleaders have had one of their best seasons yet! This year, the squad has had the opportunity to do things that no previous Burrell cheer squad has ever had the chance to. The cheerleaders have 4 dance routines, 7 stunts, and 8 band dances that they do! The cheerleaders are looking forward to the rest of the amazing football season and supporting the Bucs! They are also excited to continue their season cheering for basketball and wrestling. They're hoping to bring a new level of spirit to Burrell, help cheer on all of the teams, and continue having fun with our Ship and our band. Looking forward to working hard to add even more stunts and dances in basketball season!
Captains: Jenna Mitnick & Karly Wass
After coming off two undefeated seasons the Burrell Golf team finished fourth in their section with a 6-8 record. The team was led by the six leading scorers Jaxon Logut, Tucker Bitar, Chantz Watkins, Emily Wojtczak, Zack McKnight, and David Kleckner. Tucker Bitar qualified for individual WIPIALs for the first time in his golf career in which no other Burrell golfer has done in two years. Although it wasn't the best season the team hoped for, the team still looks forward to next year in order to improve the overall record.
Captains: Jaxon Logut, Zack McKnight, Emily Wojtczak & Camden Seidel
From the TikToks to 0.5 selfies, the girls Tennis Team sure knows how to make the season the best it can be! After facing state champs such as Knoch, or winning against schools like Highlands and Valley, the girls tennis team made some great memories. At section singles, Alyssa Logut and Jess Stull had some matches. To cap off the season, Maddie Gerthoffer and Alyssa Logut played 1st doubles and Anna Clark and Meadow Wlodarczyk played 2nd doubles at section doubles. Despite being in a tough section, advancements were made in both section singles and doubles for the girls. This season would not have been possible if it wasn’t for R-dog and David Fredrick. The numerous Chick-fil-A visits and B-reels really completed the season.
Captains: Maddie Gerthoffer, Bella Seidel & Alyssa Logut
The Girls Cross Country team has had a great season so far, with many personal records broken, a 1st place team finish, and a school record broken by Kadi Bauer. The girls team is looking forward to running at WPIALS with a hope for some state qualifiers.
Captains: Brynn Leiner & Kadi Bauer
The Boys Cross Country Team has had an amazing season with the school record being broken by Alex Platt, and having nearly everyone on the team break their own personal records. The boys team is excited to run at WPIALS this year with plans for some to compete at State Championships.
Captains: Levi Haas & Braeden Mechesney
The Boys Soccer team has had a strong season thus far with a record of 13-2. The Bucs credit a lot of their success to their strong team defense. They are currently 2nd in their section and have the opportunity to receive the section title. They hope to improve their rank of 5th in the WPIAL and compete for a WPIAL championship.
Captains: Noah Kleckner, Connor Kariotis, Aiden Malits, Niko Ferra, Cam Wagner & Seth Trisoline
The Girls Soccer team has had a very successful start to the season with only two losses and critical wins over big playoff contenders. Although the Lady Bucs have faced many challenges and injuries throughout the season they are ranked 4th in the WPIAL, and plan to improve the rank as the season moves forward and be a contender for the WPIAL Championship.
Captains: Ali Hughes, Maggie Omecinski & Andi Householder
The Girls Volleyball team has had an exciting and successful season, remaining second in the section and having only two losses. With the rest of the season and playoffs ahead, the Lady Bucs are looking forward to working hard and maintaining their spot in the section.
Captains: Avery Bain & Taylor Barr
The Bucs Football Team is having a strong season with close wins against rivals Deer Lakes and Valley. The hard-nosed offense is orchestrated by Quarterback Chase Fenner and running backs Devin Beattie and Mason Jones. While the ball carriers get all the glory, the hogs up front are the real warriors of the team with Center Cam Martin, Guards Ian Quinn and Noah Love, Tackles Aaron Mele and Luke Boylan, and Tight Ends Gabe Ziccarrelli and Esau King-Buchak. The Bucs' explosive defense is led by electric players Tristan Brothers and Antonio Cook with lockdown secondary players Nijere Floyd and Tyler Maglisco helping from up top. The Bucs are looking forward to the rest of the season with an attempt at a playoff run.
Captains: Ian Quinn, Chase Fenner, Aaron Mele, Nijere Floyd & Antonio Cook
"I really liked the band. They played great." - Freshman Sam Conte
“I really enjoyed the senior homecoming court dances. It really made a twist for the pep rally.” - Freshman Sadie Brown
“The energy was there.” - Senior Kwade Kirchartz
“I enjoyed watching the Senior Court boys dance." - Freshman Sophia Walsh
Obstacle Course
Participants:
Seniors: Ian McCarrell, Seth Trisoline, Kadi Bauer, Andrew Gratzmiller, Emily Wojtczak, and Ali Hughes
Juniors: Nathan Barker, Nico Zanella, Ben Wofford, Taylor Dentzel, Chantz Watkins, Michael Ceraso
Sophomores: Anna Clark, Stevie Hasson, Cora Kobelenske, Bryce Hrivnak, Mason Jones, Jacob Anderson
Freshmen: Ryan Rusiewicz, Brady Valovchik, Jaden Quigley, Erica Henderson, Carmen Bires, Ruari Hughes
Legs of the Course:
Pierogi (1)
Spin around baseball bat 10 times then run through cones
Pass the ball to another partner and shoot in the hoop
Wheelbarrow
Potato Sack
Human Pyramid - all members
Juniors claim the trophy with some controversy!
Court Dances
Court dance videos are available on the Homecoming Court page, but below are some highlights from each dance. Click the arrows to view the pictures.
Girls Homecoming court dance
Boys Homecoming court dance
In a survey of the study body, the overwhelming majority of responders liked the Boys' Court Dance the best:
And 50% of students responded that the Court Dances were their favorite Pep Rally activity to watch:
Musical Chairs
Participants:
Seniors: Matthew Crane, Jaxon Logut, and Zack McKnight
Juniors: Ella Freshwater, Cooper Hornack, and Nikyah Jones
Sophomores: Luke Boylan, Gia Henderson, Savannah Wygonik
Freshmen: Cam Brun, Sam Conte, Abrielle Starr
Mr. D'Angelo is the self-proclaimed winner!
Photo Contributors: Hailey Schoepf, Jason Wagner, Mrs. Aranyos, and Mrs. Shaffer
Video Contributor: Mrs. Shaffer
Writing Contributors: Student Government and Sports Coaches