War of Worthsville. This is the road that divides Greenwood from their biggest rival, Whiteland. The football, track and field, and basketball teams have some of their toughest games, meets, and matches against them during the regular seasons.
Football is currently losing their series against Whiteland 0-4 in the past four regular seasons. Mr. Jerrod Watson, strength and conditioning coach, works with the football team in hopes of giving them an edge.
“I would probably say Whiteland (is the biggest rival) because of how close they are. The kids know each other, and they do sports together during the off-season on travel teams,” Coach. Watson said.
The toughest battle between the two teams, in Coach. Watson’s opinion, was the game two years ago. The battle ended in a Woodmen loss.
“We had the game won, and there was a turnover in the last minutes of the game. Whiteland came back and won. It was a tough loss for everyone, but the scoreboard did not indicate who won or lost on the field that night. We outplayed them in every single way. That just was not reflected on the scoreboard,” he said.
Football is not the only sport that fights against Whiteland; track and field also has some tough battles against them. The track and field team sees more success against them, considering that the team is one of the top ranked teams in the county. Sophomore Madison Judge views them as the main competition.
“I think Whiteland would probably be one of the biggest rivals for most everyone at Greenwood, but especially for track and field. We want to beat them even more because almost everyone knows each other because of our proximity,” Judge said.
Preparing for a game, meet or match can be a daunting task, especially when playing a rival. Every sport has a different way to prepare.
“All of our teams and teammates watch their film from meets and study the way they perform, and we also look at stats to see who the biggest competitors are. We think of ways to beat them as best we can,” Judge said.
The boys basketball team also has to prepare for big rivalry games, especially those hard- fought conference games. Senior Parker Doolin has experienced tough losses.
“We can stay consistent in practice and work harder every day to prepare and get ready for those games. We also watch the film of the teams we are facing, especially when we face our rivals,” Doolin said.
The track and field team meets their rival, Whiteland, every season. They have a slight edge over Greenwood overall.
“I do not know the overall record, but Whiteland has definitely beat us more over the years. This is always a tough fight, and the close competition fuels the rivalry because both teams really want to win every year,” Judge said.
Fans are an integral part of the atmosphere of the game. Mrs. Andi Campbell Student Athletic Advisory Council sponsor, is in charge of attracting students to games, especially rival games.
“I would say the biggest thing to do at rival games would be to have a large student section, dress in the themes, and always make sure you are actively involved in the game; watch and do not just hang around with your friends,” Mrs. Campbell said.
