THE RIVALRY:
Before 3 p.m. on the day of the East versus Rockhurst basketball game, there was already a line forming around Rockhurst High School — and this year, East is expecting there to be just as many fans.
The Rockhurst vs Shawnee Mission East rivalry has been present for years, and according to East students and teachers, it’s the biggest rivalry East has.
“I think it’s exciting because our basketball team is really good this year so it’ll be fun to see us hopefully win,” senior Anna Gunderman said. “I think [the rivalry] is pretty funny. It’ll just be fun to watch because everyone gets really hyped up about it.”
This year, the game is on Jan. 31, and according to Marketing teacher and student store sponsor Mercedes Rasmussen, kids have been talking excitedly about the game during classes all week.
“When the Rockhurst game is going on the kids are so excited,” Rasmussen said. “I think it’s because so many people know people at Rockhurst and so many of the families are interconnected . . . They just can’t wait until that day comes.”
THE PREPARATIONS:
As far as preparation goes, East has practiced with sound machines to mimic the distracting cheers of the packed gym.
“When you get out there there’s always a little bit of nerves against Rockhurst with that big of a crowd and that big of a rivalry going on,” senior and varsity team member Jack Slaughter said. “It’s always a little bit nerve-wracking, but at the same time it’s the most exciting game of the year and it’s always a lot of fun to be apart of.”
Coming off a second place finish in the Wichita tournament, the boys feel ready to take on the Hawklets this Friday, hoping to add a point to their 7-5 record.
“I have a really good feeling,” Slaughter said. “We have a really good chance against them . . . I hope that we can finish off my career against Rockhurst with a win.”
The students have been preparing by making their predictions with friends from Rockhurst and buying shirts for the student section from the student store. The student store designed game day shirts for the superhero theme featuring a Lancer shooting red beams at a Hawklet.
“We just took a ballpark and ordered 200 [shirts] and we’re just gonna go with first come first serve, and when they’re gone they’re gone,” Rasmussen said.
THE GAME:
The gym will be filled to capacity and some fans will be allowed to stand in the corners, according to Athletic Director Debbie Katzfey. But, when the room is too congested the doors will close because of fire code.
As far as set up goes, seniors will get their own section, juniors get the first 10 rows, sophomores get the next 10 and freshman will stand on the side.
Based on large crowds from past years, Katzfey encourages students to not go home after school if they want a spot. To prevent long lines in the cold, they will be handing out numbers at 3 p.m. by the gym. If a student has a number, they can leave and return when the doors open at 4:30 p.m.
If parents want to come watch, they also have to go through the line and number process. However, the parents of basketball players, cheerleaders and dancers were sold tickets in advance.
Due to the heated rivalry, Katzfey and the administration encourage students to remain respectful so everyone can have fun.
“Rockhurst has become one of the best rivalries that Shawnee Mission East has,” Katzfey said. “I would encourage them, and when I say them meaning the students from both schools, to keep the rivalry alive and friendly and be kind and cheer for their team and not cheer against the other team.”