Alumni have been invited back to the court tomorrow to reunite with the past and present GHS basketball and cheer programs.
The basketball and cheer alumni night is hosted by the Greenwood Education Foundation.
“GEF is working this year to boost alumni engagement. The goal of this event is to bring together both basketball and cheerleader alumni for a night of reminiscing, socializing, and enjoying the basketball game,” Mrs. Tiffany Woods, Greenwood Education Foundation executive director, said.
The event involves a dinner and then a special ceremony before the game.
“There is going to be a dinner beforehand with all of the past players and coaches. Before the game takes place, we are going to honor each decade of athletes and give special remarks about any accolades or special titles that may have been won by their team,” Mrs. Woods said.
There are no limitations for the alumni. Anyone who has been involved in the programs at all are welcome.
“We are hosting all alumni, ones that graduated from 2024 or ones that graduated as far back as possible. We have someone attending from the Class of 1961. We are bringing all of the classes back. A nice thing is that we are bringing back people who were not only players and cheerleaders, but then their children were as well. Our goal is to engage all of the ages,” Mrs. Woods said.
There will be an all-generations halftime cheer performance during the event.
“I was the cheer coach at Greenwood for 30 years. I have been saying for years that I wanted to do this, and I had a Facebook page that I used to inform former cheerleaders about the event. I have a former cheerleader that booked a flight from Florida to come. We are going to perform a basic cheer and then the school song,” Mrs. Becki Habig, former cheerleader and cheer coach, said.
Mr. Rick Stephens, the event sponsor, was a part of the Class of 1971 and the men’s basketball team. He will be attending.
“I graduated in 1971. We were probably one of the best teams Greenwood has ever had. We had eight seniors, and we were undefeated at home as well as in the Mid-State Conference. We were also the last team to play at the old high school. I miss all of my friends from high school. From 7th grade to high school, we were a good team. We just kept getting better and better,” Mr. Stephens said.
Previous girls basketball player Amy (Davis) Clancy, Class of 2005, will also be attending. The event has made many alumni reflect on their time as Woodmen.
“The team helped me learn the importance of teamwork and having grit and to persevere when things are hard. Greenwood basketball taught me a lot of good lessons that I have been able to carry with me into everyday life. I definitely encourage anyone to get involved while they are in high school. Whether that be extracurricular activities or clubs, just get connected within your school,” Mrs. Clancy said.
Events like the men’s and womens’ basketball and cheerleading Alumni Night help bring both past and present athletes together. It also proves the strong culture of the Greenwood athletic program.
“I think it is super important that people who have already graduated from Greenwood feel comfortable and want to come back here. When they want to come back here, we know that it is a place that meant something to them and has had a positive impact on their lives,” Mr. Jerrod Watson, current strength and conditioning coach, said.
The alumni dinner will be held tomorrow at 6 p.m. with the game to follow. Everyone is welcome to attend the game, but registration for the dinner is required. The link to register is available on the Greenwood Education Foundation website.
