News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
High schools throughout The Upper Cumberland are gearing up for the first week of Friday night football this season.
Warren County Athletic Director Phillip King said the team has been preparing their stadium for weeks. King said while planning out an event that hosts so many people, it pays to be extremely detail-oriented.
“You know, there’s been a lot of conversations with people that are our tickers takers, and our custodians, and you know, people that do the chain gang, to the radio people, to the trainers,” King said. “And of course most importantly to the football coach Matt Turner, just to make sure that they have everything that they need.”
Athletic Director Anthony Lippe said that preparation for hosting football games extends from parking to safety concerns. Creating a space that is safe and enjoyable for families is of utmost importance, which means prepping every area of staff.
“I mean, we’ve got a great group of SROs and a lot of times that’s who you lean on,” Lippe said. “And, you know, if they need us we can communicate back and forth and take of what needs to be taken care of. And that’s gotta be first priority when you look at gameday protocol.”
York Institute Principal Abbi Dunford said that everyone in her school contributes to the football fun. That can include the various roles needed to keep the night running smoothly or organize excitement for the event.
“And so our cheerleading coach actually she scheduled the pep rally for us,” Dunford said. “She gets it all together, we choose themes for our students, so tonight is Barbie and Ken night so you’re gonna see a lot of pink and hot pink, um, in our stands.”
The Fentress County community loves the York football, Dunford said, and she’s expecting a large turnout at kickoff. Dunford said that fans can expect to see her cheering her loudest in the stands, along with the passionate student body.
