BY AVERY PERSON
Old Bridge staff, parents, and volunteers will host the famous Harlem Wizards at 4pm on Sunday, April 3. Tickets can still be purchased for the event, which will feature many OBHS students and staff members.
Old Bridge’s Special Education Parent Teacher Organization has worked with groups across the district, including right here at OBHS, to plan and organize the event under the leadership of Diane Michael. “SEPTA is collaborating with High School Unified Basketball Team and High School Unified Generation Class. These students are active members of SEPTA’s We Are One Movement. They have been involved since the planning stages, promoting our Wizard Game and will be volunteering in every aspect on Game Day from set up, crowd control, raffle sales, concession, and hydration stations,” said Michael.
Students involved in these programs anxiously await the big event. “I can’t wait. Looking forward to it,” said senior Frank Lorence who plays on the Unified basketball team.
The team has recruited Principal Dr. Vincent Sasso as the team captain. “I’m very proud to represent team ‘We are One Old Bridge’ and more importantly bring awareness to the diverse needs of our community and to promote inclusivity for all students,” said Dr. Sasso.
The high school staff on the roster consists of Head Coach Angela D’Amico, Dr. Sasso, Sally Fazio, James Oliveri, Jon Bill, Richard Masarik, Daniel Dimino, Robert Cotugno, Christine Cuello, Michelle Crago, James Macomber, Matt Donaghue, Alec Alspach, Joe D’Amico, and Fermin Rajas.
The list of staff members taking on the Wizards has caught the attention of students throughout the school. “I’m excited to see the teachers play basketball,” said sophomore Eric Fontana.
Some members of the Old Bridge squad expressed excitement for the event and a lot of confidence about their performance. “I think its’s a great opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for SEPTA, but I feel bad for the Harlem Wizards because they are driving all the way out here to lose,” said Physical Education Teacher and Head Coach of the girls varsity basketball team Alspach.
Other representatives of OBHS don’t share Alspach’s confidence in their abilities but bring a positive attitude and sense of humor to the game. Physical Education Teacher and football, baseball, and basketball coach Donaghue said, “I feel like I can bring a spark to the team. A lot of the team has been practicing. I have not. I don’t need practice. The way the team is made up, if I have to score points, we’re going to be in big trouble.”
Whether students show up to see the staff members play, support SEPTA, or see the Wizards, they look forward to the event. “I’m ready to see these nice trick shots,” shared sophomore Randy Brown.
The impact of the event should extend well beyond the enjoyment of watching an entertaining game. “I think it’s a great event and highlights the important positive impact SEPTA has on our Old Bridge community.”
Come out on Sunday, April 3 and see Old Bridge staff, parents and volunteers take on the Harlem Wizards at OBHS in the main gym. The doors open at 3pm and the game starts at 4pm. Check out this trailer, and scan the QR code in the images attached to this article to buy tickets.
Posted 3/31/22
Knight Life 