The Bruce Mahoney is a Sacred Heart Cathedral tradition that not only keeps up competition but also fosters a great amount of school spirit and gathering within the community. While many jump to immediately think about the game itself, the activities contributing to the anticipation before the tournament couldn’t happen without the student leaders behind the scenes. Student council is an often overlooked and yet crucial force on campus, allowing rallies, sporting events, and annual traditions such as the Walkathon to sparkle.
Members of student and class councils explained their step-by-step processes in preparation and their routine after each game ends. Although members were staying after school for multiple hours to make and hang up the “Irish Wall,” according to Kate Cassidy, one of the Senior Council Spirit Commissioners, “the more student council members working, the faster it goes.” Along with this, Junior Council Community Relations Officer Rachel Lewis stated that council members spent another 45 minutes on the day of the game preparing for the lunchtime festivities.
Along with their preparations prior to the sporting event, the student council is also required to attend the game to show their support to the players. All of the student council members interviewed expressed their excitement towards the Bruce Mahoney nonetheless, with Lewis stating that the “free student council ticket is just a bonus!” As they encouraged players and helped lead cheers in the student section, they also handed out pom poms during halftime and pregame to help the student section stand out from its counterpart.
When preparing for the Bruce Mahoney, SHC does an excellent job at trying to get students in the spirit by providing modified dress and festive activities during an all-school lunch. Though student council helped run this event, it was evident that this didn’t hinder members from still enjoying their time. Jasi Mann, the SBO Spirit Commissioner, stated that her favorite part is “watching the teams play games like a ball toss or cafeteria scavenger hunt in front of the student body,” while SBO Business Officer Marcella Blank loves watching the students enjoy the music and celebration from the cafeteria.
No matter the trophy’s status, the enthusiasm for future games still appears to be on the rise in the eyes of the student council. Student council members continue to step up and serve the community, win or lose, preparing their posters and sharing their enthusiasm with the student body.
