The Event 2018
by Xander Lundblad, BHS sophomore and BPS101 Communications Department intern (photos courtesy of Dessa Bobosky, BHS senior and BPS101 Communications Department intern)
If you missed “The Event” at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, then you missed an action-packed night of wrestling between the Batavia Bulldogs and the Geneva Vikings.
This was the fourth year for ‘The Event” and the second time it was held on the Batavia Fine Arts Centre’s main stage. The JV/freshman meet took place in the BHS main gym earlier in the evening this year, which Batavia won at both levels.
“The Event” for the varsity-level featured professional lighting, sound, a fog machine, and play-by-play calls by BHS science teacher, Brian Drendel. WWB, anyone?
Prior to the actual start, a lip sync battle between BHS students Diamond Bluford and brothers Matt and Andrew Stasell ensued. It was a battle that would have made Jimmy Fallon proud. The BHS drumline followed with a performance that fired up the crowd. BHS senior Shelby Woods flawlessly sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then it was “go” time.
When the first match kicked off at 7 p.m., the audience and athletes were pumped for a great meet. Many Bulldogs were sporting red “Fear the Dog” merchandise.
¨The last two years, we had right around 1,000 people in the main gym. This year, with some tough weather, we had about 500 in the BFAC,” said BHS head wrestling coach, Scott Bayer.
Even so, the roar of the BHS student section, the Dog Pound, was loud and proud.
Batavia was given an upper-hand advantage from the start by receiving four Geneva forfeits. Geneva’s Ian Huck won the first match but freshman Mikey Caliendo came right back with a win to even the playing field. Geneva won the next three matches, which turned up the heat for Batavia. The Bulldogs faced the pressure and put up five W’s in the final six matches.
Many thought the highlight of the night was when BHS sophomore Jordan Ramirez won his match with a key reversal to avoid a pin, sealing a 45-30 victory over Geneva.
It was a close match between the two teams and a great way to showcase the sport of wrestling. “The Event” is always a spectacular show for the entire community and this year did not disappoint.
