EDITORIAL: Pendleton Heights does it right Friday nights

By now, it is evident that I am a “traditionalist” when it comes to high school athletic events, especially on Friday night. I am from the era of cheer blocks, school songs, and mascots. 

I have, as an opposing coach, shown begrudging respect to the Anderson Indian and his maiden. I will forever be impressed that instead of inane posters, the halls of Barr-Reeve High School are a museum of photographs honoring the community’s heroes. 

In short, I believe in the value of Friday night being an event.

To that end, I want to salute Pendleton Heights High School as somewhere where they still do basketball games the right way. I attended the Pendleton Heights vs. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) game Dec. 11 and was once again struck by the fact that Game Night in Pendleton is still a big deal.

It starts with a real, live pep band, one that plays the school song and other music you recognize and is befitting of a ballgame. If I have to attend one more contest where piped-in pop music replaces game-type music because a band director thinks that having his organization play at a game is beneath his stature in the world, I am going to figuratively lose my popcorn.

It continues with the students. At Heights, they still attend and still cheer, and still care about the outcome. 

Then there is the way the athletic administration involves the community. There are halftime activities for the fans. Younger students in the system are recognized on the public address system. 

Most of all, there is often a ceremony of some type prior to tipoff.

On this Friday night, the Pendleton Heights athletic department invited all military veterans in the stands to come down and congregate at the center circle. They were then honored by the crowd for their service to the country. This ranged from veterans of the current military operations all the way back to veterans of WW II. 

It was a simple thing, but it meant a lot to those members of the community.

Then there are the little things. I speak of things like the fact that a large portion of the administration and faculty is in attendance, the introduction of lineups is a production, and the PA announcer acts like he is actually interested in what is going on. 

None of these are Earth-shattering things. They are simple efforts made to insure Game Night remains an appealing part of living in Pendleton.

There are those, particularly in the major cities, who will say times have changed and there is no interest in maintaining Game Night as a special occasion. I contend that is more the result of adults who don’t want to expend the effort necessary to fight the good fight than it is of students who have no regard for tradition or pageantry. 

So here is a tip of the hat to the Arabians. Well done. I will always enjoy returning to the big show.