Meet The Wildcats Event Draws High School, Middle School Basketball Fans Back To Gym

2021-22 Seasons Getting Underway

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams speaks to the large crowd at the 2021 "Meet the Wildcats" event.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Things felt more "normal" in the ECHS gym last night than they had in two years, with a full crowd on hand, and with that crowd cheering on student athletes from the middle and high school teams at the 2021 Meet the Wildcats event.

In a fundraising event that showcased the ECMS cheer team, middle school boys and girls basketball teams, the ECHS Cheer team, and both the Lady Cat and Wildcat basketball teams, fans packed the bleachers to cheer on their players.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams said he's already seeing an increase in school spirit, due to various reasons.

"I think people are already excited for the upcoming basketball seasons as a result of different things. Our Lady Cat team has had a really good run over the last few years and for the boys, Coach Johnson and his staff and kids have a lot of positive energy flowing with their program," he said. "When you consider the fact that we've basically been in a COVID jail, people are ready to cheer the cats on. They want to come watch a game, smell popcorn, hear shoes screeching on the floor and feel the energy."

Williams served as the event's emcee and encouraged fans in the stands to get behind all the school's teams as another season of basketball begins.

Both the ECMS and ECHS cheer teams performed separate routines as each team member was introduced. The ECMS girls team were brought out to center court and introduced to the crowd and the ECMS boys team showed off some their practice routines.

Fans got a glimpse of both the Lady Cats and Wildcats of ECHS, as the teams played two quarters each of inter-squad scrimmage.

Through the help of community sponsors, ECHS has invested in their facilities to provide a much more energetic game experience with a brand new 10ft video board and spotlights for team introductions.

"What our community has done for our school and programs has been crucial," Williams said. "Look at what we did with the video board thanks to Kasey Alford and Alford's Pharmacy. They helped us modernize and improve our advertising product and that revenue goes straight back to the facilities and supplies for our student athletes.  When kids look good, feel good, and feel the energy of representing an excited community, it means something.  I can tell you from my own experience, and as so many others know, it’s special to put that jersey on with Edmonson County on it and see the gym full of people to cheer you on." 

Middle school basketball games are already underway with the ECHS Lady Cats starting their season on the road on Monday, November 29th at Warren East, and the Wildcats kicking things off at home on Tuesday, November 30th against Nelson County.