Barnstormers spirit night a thrill for students from K-12

“Take me out to the ball game…” sang a group of Lampeter-Strasburg students as they were shown onto the big screen of the Clipper Magazine Stadium during the seventh inning stretch at the Barnstormers' game last evening. The group included representation from all grade levels – even a few high school students belted the tune proudly. Few activities can bring such an array of all ages together, but one thing will always unify, and that’s America’s pastime, baseball.
The jazz band performed outside the gate before the game

Although the stands were not completely filled, a good number of L-S students and their families attended school spirit night for the Lampeter-Strasburg School District at the Stadium. Not only did The Advertiser graciously give every student a free ticket voucher to the game, but a portion of the proceeds also went to the Lampeter-Strasburg Educational Foundation. This foundation gives loans and scholarships to commendable L-S students.

Before the gates to the stadium opened, the LSHS jazz band performed outside from 5:15 to 6:00. The band had previously performed its music on Thursday night at its concert in the Performing Arts Center, but this performance was much more casual and relaxed. Members often describe this annual tradition as more of a “jam session” than a performance. The band attracted a crowd of fans and entertained those waiting in line to enter the stadium. Several band members stayed for the actual game. One of those students was Sam Ingram, a senior, who sang the national anthem preceding the baseball game. 

The game contained its usual fun with Cylo’s good-natured mischief, typical chanting and clapping, and between inning activities. The younger students in particular participated the most, calling out encouragements to the players and dancing to the music overhead. Older students and families enjoyed the time to socialize and watch their kids get involved.
Samantha Ingram singing the National Anthem at the recent Barnstormers Game.

As for the actual game, it was not looking good for the Stormers as they headed in to the ninth inning, losing by two runs to the Somerset Patriots. However, they managed to tie up the game and continue the whole way into the twelfth inning. By this point, a light rain and the late hour caused many families to head home or seek shelter. Finally, the Patriots hit the only home run of the night and ended up scoring eight more runs. The Barnstormers were only able to make one more run before the end of the game. The final score was 10-3. Because the game had lasted so long, the fireworks show was cancelled. A lot of students were disappointed in the loss. 

Although the Barnstormers may have lost their game, Lampeter-Strasburg was able to show unity and spirit as a district and provide many students a great opportunity that they might not have had otherwise. That is, after all, the essence of school spirit.

--Alyssa Van Lenten, LSNews.org Local Editor

Edited: BP

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