The Bell returns

Mikey Maravilla, Staff Writer|October 28, 2021

Marking the end of a seven-year drought, the Warrior football team defeated Saint Vincent-Saint Mary on Friday, October 22, to “bring home The Bell” after the 35-14 rout on their rivals’ turf.

Seniors Nick Khlil (#59) and JP Fyda (#6) carry the bell off the field after the win as Charley Klug (#22) looks on. (Audra Norton)

“I’m happy we finally brought The Bell home. It shows the progress the football team has made,” stated junior Raul Gamez, a member of the marching band. “Being a part of the celebration was such a fun experience for all of the fans and attendees.”

The rivalry between Walsh Jesuit and St. Vincent-St. Mary, begun around 1969, has found new life with the return of The Bell. Instrumental in this is the hard work of the coaches, so this win is a cause of celebration for them, too.

Mr. Steve Grescovich, varsity assistant coach, said, “I was extremely excited for the players because they have put such a great effort in all season and it paid off.”

Wildly cheering in the stands, the students from all grade levels celebrated the return of The Bell and its symbolism of the football team’s increasing level of skill and as the sign of a bright future for the school.

The hoisted bell leads an excited procession of players and students off the field for its return to WJ. (Audra Norton )

Sophomore football player Caelan Stefancik said, “For the WJ football team, it’s a big deal that we brought home The Bell, and it also symbolizes the growth of the football team. It also shows how each year we are getting better with the changes and coaching pointers from Head Coach Alexander.”

Not all students were able to attend the game, but they still found ways to be a part of the celebration. Players and fans posted videos and photos after the victory over a multitude of social media platforms which rapidly spread news of the win and return of The Bell.

“I found out about our victory from Snapchat stories,” stated senior Tyler Halligan. He was one of many who were still able to celebrate the victory across the Walsh Jesuit community. Tyler added, “I’m excited for us, and happy we brought the school spirit back.”

Bearing a fresh coat of maroon paint, the bell now stands in the Commons and rings throughout the day’s lunch periods. (Zack Reed)

Whether at the game or not, this was an historic night which fired up school spirit and made important memories for the school year.

Audrey Oplinger, a senior, exclaimed.  “It felt so amazing! I had so much fun at the game. We actually ran on the football field and celebrated with the team under the lights!”