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2021 Fall Sports Kickoff Bonfire Event Held

The 2021 Fall Sports Kickoff Bonfire Event was held on Thursday (August 26th) at the Clarion Area Stadium.

The annual event gives the community the opportunity to “meet” the athletic teams and Clarion Area Band.

This year’s event, streamlined due to Covid guidelines and construction at the stadium, began on a somber note, with emcee Doug Klein having those gathered participate in a moment of silence, honoring the members of the military killed in Afghanistan earlier in the day.

Following the moment of silence, the Clarion Area Band opened the program with the National Anthem.

The the Band, under new Director Sarah Dawson, then performed three of their songs for this year: “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin, “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire and what has become a signature song for the Bobcat Band in recent years, the Jackson 5’s, “I Want You Back.”

Clarion Area Band

Klein then thanked various groups and individuals, among them Clarion Borough, Clarion Fire & Hose Company #1, who controls the burn on the bonfire; the various school administrations; and event coordinator Laura Burford.

Event Coordinator Laura Burford with husband and assistant Brian

After that the individual coaches and players from the various teams and band were introduced, with the athletes and band members running through the middle of lines of the various groups and meeting their teammates, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Band Directors etc.

Players and Band members gathered on the field

The Lady Cats Volleyball Team – (Head Coach Shari Campbell) started things off, followed by they Cross Country Team, (Head Coach Keith Murtha).

Some of those in attendance

Then it was the Central Clarion Wildcats Football Team (co-op includes Clarion Area – (Head Coach Davey Eggleton), North Clarion and Clarion-Limestone), the Clarion Area Girls Soccer Team (co-op with Clarion-Limestone) – (Head Coach Chris Schonbachler), Golf – (Head Coach Jay Kerle) and the Band – (Director Sarah Dawson). The Clarion-Limestone Boys Soccer Team (co-op with Clarion Area) – (Head Coach Don Montgomery were not present as they had a scrimmage at Keystone).

Number One Bobcat and Wildcat Fan Ryan Wiser greeting the Volleyball Team

Next it was time for the Pallet Contest. Each group designed a pallet, that was displayed at the event, with being selected as the winning pallet and that team receiving the traveling trophy, which goes from champion to champion each year.

Evelyn Lerch and Joyce Kim with Lady Cats Soccer’s trophy

This year’s winner was the Girls Soccer Team.

The festivities conclude, with everyone gathering at the west side endzone area, for the lighting of the Bonfire.

(Here’s to great season’s for all the teams!!!!)

(Photo by Coach Chris Schonbachler) Girls Soccer Pallet and Traveling Trophy