Andrew Zhao
Physical education teacher Chris Russell shoots a free-throw in the annual seniors-versus-staff basketball game at the Winter Rally today in the Peery Center. According to Russell, the goal of the game was to create a more unified Paly community. “The game brings a lot of good chemistry within both the staff and students," Russell said. "It makes good student-teacher relationships.”
Staff beat the seniors, 25-11, in the annual Palo Alto High School seniors-versus-staff basketball game at the Winter Rally during lunch today in the Peery Center.
The Winter Rally began with a video where the Prom location was revealed to be the San Francisco Galleria.
After the location was revealed, the annual seniors-versus-staff basketball game began.
Physical education teacher and participant Chris Russell, who played basketball professionally and scored majority of the points for the staff, said that he was pleased with the student environment and turnout, yet expected more student support for the staff.
“All the students that came out, they brought the energy,” Russell said. “I wish they cheered a little bit more for the staff.”
According to Russell, he was satisfied with the win but recognized that the most important part of the game was to have fun.
“I’m happy we won, but the main thing about the staff-versus-senior game is that you have fun,” Russell said.
According to senior player Malcolm Ginwalla, bad calls allowed the staff to keep their early lead.
“Momentum is a big part of any game, and there were a couple of calls that ruined the seniors’ momentum,” Ginwalla said. “Bad officiating happens and we [seniors] just kind of play through it.”
According to Associated Student Body Secretary Leilani Chen, the game was entertaining to watch because both teams played with effort, even though the staff’s stronger athletic ability ultimately gave them the edge.
“This game was really fun to watch,” Chen said. “Unfortunately, the teachers ended up doing a lot better due to a decent amount of athletic talent on their team, but I know the seniors showed and showed out. Everybody’s working as hard they can, which is what made the game enjoyable to watch.”
Senior class vice president Emily Tang said the Winter Rally date was planned far in advance.
“This date has been on our [ASB] calendar for a long time,” Tang said. “I know this is one of those senior traditions that everyone looks forward to.”
Additionally, Tang said the Prom reveal video was shot across two weekends in San Francisco.
“For the Prom reveal video, we filmed it over two different weekends in San Francisco,” Tang said. “Unfortunately, there was a little hiccup with the footage, but we [ASB] pulled it together.”
Tang said she is looking forward to this year’s prom due to a larger variety of activities and a more grand location.
“Compared to last year, I’m excited,” Tang said. “This year will be a lot more of a luxurious location. ASB is excited because we have more freedom to bring in different kinds of entertainment versus the Exploratorium, where everything was pre-set for us.”