Written by: Nikolas Puno
Photographed by: Andrew Berry and Mint Chawalitanon
Battle of the Bearcats (BOB) is considered one of the most thrilling events of the school year, uniting the high school in ardent expressions of spirit and talent. However, as students progress through the years, their perception and experience of BOB changes; as the feisty Freshman class try to prove their worth, the enthusiastic Sophomore class enjoy being one step ahead of the Freshmen, the determined Junior class attempt to assert their upperclassmen-hood, and the adamant Senior class try to leave their mark on the school. In order to better understand how members within each of these grade levels express different emotions and levels of anxiety prior to BOB, questions were asked to Class of 2017 freshman, Malaika Jamal, and Class of 2014 senior, Ashley Miller.
In the lead up to BOB, what emotions are running through your head?
Malaika: I’m feeling really nervous because I am a freshman.
Ashley: I’m super excited to see all the different grade levels come together.
How does this year’s BOB compare to experiences in previous years?
Malaika: [Coming] from 8th grade, there are bigger people…[though] BOB looks like a fun experience and I am looking forward to enjoying it for the next four years of high school.
Ashley: This is our year. Everything is bigger and better. We’re on top of high school now.
What are you most looking forward to for BOB?
Malaika: I’m looking forward to watching the other sports [teams] and cheering on my grade level.
Ashley: I’m really looking forward to hearing all the different cheers. I’m also looking forward to our entrance and BOB dance.
What is the most intimidating part about BOB?
Malaika: I’m not looking forward to doing our cheer in front of the other grades.
Ashley: I like to think we are the ones intimidating others.
How does BOB promote unity within your grade level and the high school as a whole?
Malaika: There are not a lot of activities that group the entire high school together so it’s nice that we can come together as a grade level and show others what we can do.
Ashley: It brings everyone together because of how we are supposed to cheer for one another. When I was new I found it strange how we were cheering for the Freshman. However, now I know that we are supposed to promote a friendly environment.
Regardless of these differences in opinion, the anticipation and excitement for Battle of the Bearcats is undeniable. Whether a freshman or a senior, the annual competition is imprinted in the minds of students as one of the most memorable events of the ISM experience.
