The long-awaited annual Hoopfest was hosted on Wednesday, Sept.30; the ultimate face-off between 10 carefully selected students and 10 carefully selected staff battling for the grand prize of 365 days of bragging rights.
The student team (Sawyer Tietgen, Peyton Herrick, Tyler Caldwell, Bladyn Herrick, Eli Marez, Felicia Deumi-Nappi, Norah Cloudt, Hunter Humphrey, Lucas Nielson and Anderson Gaarder, coached by Director of Health and Wellness Andreea Baker, unfortunately fell short of the staff team (Aydan Yates, Zack Fye, Sam Weaver, Spencer Klocke, Annika Pingel, Virnel Moon, Carols, Palacios, Jaden Horton, Daniel Dibbern and Jeremy Caldwell), coached by Doane President Roger Hughes.
“It was one of the most important wins in my career, my contract was on the line. The AD (athletic director) came to me earlier today and said it’s either win or leave town. They had ‘For Sale’ signs in my front yard. This is a big win for us,” Hughes said.
Competing for the staff, Strength and Conditioning coach Sam Weaver redeemed himself from last year’s performance. “Last year I played, and it was not a good performance by me. I still didn’t score any points, but I actually feel better because I did something in the game,” Weaver said. “I am 100% coming back next year, and I’ll start hitting the Eco-Bike,” Weaver said.
With a big win, also comes a loss. The students had a positive outlook after the loss. “I’m so sad, but everyone played really well, for not practicing,” Baker said. “We might have to schedule some practices. Since this was my first time, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but next year, I’ll be more prepared,” Baker said.
Sophomore Felicia Deumi Nappi shared she didn’t see it as a loss. “I had a lot of fun, and I went all in and gave it my best, so I’m actually happy with my performance…Next year I’m going to be more prepared and then we definitely are going to win,” Nappi said.
Seemingly, the court will be filled with many returners next year. Hoopfest 2027 will have some fierce competition.
