When Chip Sherman came to East last year, he brought more than an impressive coaching resume. He brought a new tradition that would help turn the corner on underage drinking and out of control parties: Fifth Quarters.
Sherman started Fifth Quarters while coaching at Platte County High School. According to Sherman, the level of drinking and drugs amongst the students on the weekends was on the rise. Sherman wanted a safe place for them to go on Fridays where they could be monitored, but still have a good time. Sherman said that students began to see that there were ways other than partying to have a good time. His Fifth Quarters soon became a die-hard tradition. “Kids really enjoyed them. It got to be a thing where every Friday that’s just where everyone went,” Sherman said.
Along with keeping kids out of trouble on Friday nights, the Fifth Quarters keep the team together. It gives them a place to go together and celebrate. Senior John Shrock, whose family hosted the first Fifth Quarter, said the team enjoys the Fifth Quarters because they give them a place to go together with lots of food.
While
Principal Karl Krawitz supports Fifth Quarters and feels they have been very effective in keeping the students safe during the weekends, he has only attended one. He and Sherman agree that is important for kids to know that Fifth Quarters are not associated with school, but something the team is putting together. It is an opportunity for students to get away from coaches and teachers, but still be supervised.
The Fifth Quarters have seen a great increase in attendance since their introduction into East culture. Since they were new last year, not many people knew about Fifth Quarters. As word got around, more people started going. According to Sherman, average attendance last year was around 100. Already this year, average attendance has nearly doubled. Sherman predicts that the attendance will increase every year, as more and more people become familiar with Fifth Quarters. Due to the increases in attendance and popularity of the events, the parents and administration are planning on having the Homecoming game’s Fifth Quarter on the East practice field as a bonfire. The bonfire, will be open to all students and the event will be free.
The parties are hosted and coordinated by the parents of the Varsity football players. Sherman fed them the idea and helped get them started, but the parents have taken them over.
“I helped get the ball rolling, but the parents really took control. They are really, really great. They do a wonderful job,” said Sherman.
Attendance by the players is not mandatory, however, Defensive Coordinator Chip Ufford said the players feel an obligation to attend because Sherman is ultimately organizing the parties for them.
Food (one of the most appealing aspects to many people, according to senior cheer captain Lauren Fischer.) is donated by local restaurants, with the help of the Gridiron Club, a group of football parents who organize many events for the sport. Meals have ranged from Chipotle, to pizza, to burgers.
As for the future of Fifth Quarters, Dr. Krawitz and Sherman are hoping to introduce Fifth Quarters into other sports. The basketball began to adopt the tradition last year and held a few, but Krawitz and Sherman would like to see them happening after every game. Even if smaller sports combine to host, Dr. Krawitz would be pleased.
“[Fifth Quarters] have seen wonderful success. Students have the perfect opportunity to hang out, listen to music, and eat free food, but still keep their minds focused on what is important,” Dr. Krawitz said.
Leave a Reply