Merideth McNair

Writer

Showing their Outlaw pride, Marlow High School students were able to put their school spirit to the ultimate test by supporting the football team throughout homecoming week. 

Homecoming was celebrated October 5-9, ending the week with a game against Coalgate High School at the Marlow Outlaw home stadium. 

Homecoming is a grand ceremony of celebrating the current and past students of the school.

Celebrating MHS upperclassmen, the 2020 football homecoming royalty include seniors Madison Contreras, escorted by Blake Harris, Madison Fitzhugh, escorted by Chase Knight, Elaina Kulhman, escorted by JR Marroquin, Harper Pitts escorted by Jack Mitchell, and Shiloh Sullivent, escorted by Carson Moore, along with the 2020 football crowning captain Nate Herchock. 

After three years of supporting the football team on the sidelines as a manager, senior Madison Contreras was awarded the honor of Homecoming Queen.

Taking on the role, Contreres shared her words on how it feels to receive the opportunity of being homecoming queen. 

“Being awarded homecoming queen is a huge honor! Growing up, I never imagined myself in this position, especially having moved as much as I did. This shows me that the work I do for the team is appreciated and noticed,” explained Contreras. “In a post I made, I had said ‘sharing my crown with the town.’ This really represents last night. I represent the team by being a manager, and the team represents the town. So, after I was crowned it was as if everyone had been given a title of royalty, and in my eyes, they did.” 

While Friday’s homecoming events were a success, the Marlow Outlaw football team received support from the district of Marlow Public Schools throughout the week through various activities including dress up days.

The dress up themes for the week included: Monday, “Searching for our Favorite Team;” Tuesday, “We suspect the Outlaws will Roll Over Coalgate;” Wednesday, Virtual Day at Home; Thursday, “Somebody catch that varmint with the football;” Friday, “The game’s up, Coalgate! We’ve got you beat.”

Noting how the backing of the community boosts moral, quarterback and junior Jace Gilbert shared his opinion on school spirit. 

“The way that our students have gotten behind us has been great so far,” stated Gilbert. “Having a great student section really helps create a cool atmosphere in the stadium, and it’s really just neat to see everyone excited about our football team.” 

Supporting the team every night, student section leader and senior Elaina Kuhlman shared how she tries to bring school spirit to the student section.

“I try my best to bring school spirit to the student section by making signs, decorating the fence, bringing my basket of noise makers and pom poms for everyone to use and lots of yelling,” explained Kuhlman.  

While an all-school pep assembly was not able to occur, due to COVID-19 concerns, MHS counselor and cheer coach Amy Herchock put together a video that included pictures and video clips of the bootleggers, cheerleaders and other things that were relevant to the pep rally.

Instead of actually being on the football field or in the dome gym watching it live and in person, the students and faculty watched the video in their classrooms. 

Bringing their record to 5-0, overall, the Outlaws ended the week with a win against the Coalgate Wildcats with an ending score of 55-7. 

Knowing good teamwork makes a great team, Head football Coach Matt Weber shared some insight on the team. 

“We have persevered very well through the season because we have great senior leadership within our team. They will not allow us to have a bad practice,” stated Weber. “Commitment has been our driving force. This bunch went to work as soon as the season ended last year. We feel like the more we have invested makes us continue to play hard in close games.” 

Hoping to continue their undefeated season, the Outlaws will be playing the Davis Wolves at the Davis home stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.