On Wednesday, October 11, the Boys Cross Country team took on the Girls Soccer team in a neutral game of kickball. After discussing the rules and singing their own national anthem, the game got started. Both teams got off to a rocky start but in the second inning, the Cross Country boys took off running. Going on a massive scoring streak they forced the girls to make defensive errors leading to more runs crossing the plate. The game was called early after the fourth inning, due to a mercy rule leading the Cross Country team to a controversial 15-2 win.
Player of the game, Gabe Schilter, explained that the win over the soccer team was “a big pride thing,” and that “it meant a lot.” He expressed that “everyone he talked to said [the Cross Country team] is going to get smoked, but we came out
and destroyed them.” Gabe’s favorite moment of the game was “definitely when [he] hit the home run,” farthing the momentum leading to the ultimate victory. Gabe also wanted to make it clear that “the rules were fine, no matter what the girls say, they were normal kickball rules.”
Logan Jones, a Junior for the Cross Country team, and a dominate force on the defense, stated that this win was the “peak moment of [his] athletic career.” Logan contributed to multiple hits and runs from the Cross Country team and was seen sliding and putting in full 100% effort on both sides of the ball.
It was visible that the girls soccer team was confused about the rules of the game. AJ Engelken, a leader on the soccer team, felt that they were at a disadvantage because they “don’t know how to play baseball.” She explained that they “use really simple rules when they play kickball,” so when the Cross Country team explained the rules, they had to change their game plan at the field.
With all of the controversy around this game, it is unclear who can truly hold the “bragging rights.” The boys believe they deserve it, but the girls feel that it is unfair. Both teams have agreed to a rematch to take place in mid-November where they can play with fair game. AJ believes that it “will actually be a fair match,” and Logan expects another “Cross Country ‘dub.’”
