Warrior spirit

Off the court, the Wasilla High School pep band rallies the team on the court

By Casey Ressler-Valley Life editor

When the Wasilla Warriors took to the court this weekend in the Region III tournament, they were playing with a few extra people on their side -- much like they have all season when they play at home.

While basketball is played five on five, the Warriors can turn to one corner of the stands for a little extra push from the "sixth man," the WHS pep band.

"I've always said that the players can rule the court, but we're going to rule the atmosphere," director Henry Pennington said. "We want the atmosphere in the building to be positive, and to make it a place that people remember."

The pep band has played at every single home game this year for the Warriors, and Pennington said it's a testament to the dedication of the kids in the band -- mostly because it isn't a class that's offered, it's an extra-curricular activity.

"This is where you can play all those fun songs that you don't get to do in class. You can be upbeat and wide open and really have a lot of fun with it," Pennington said. "We have between 25 and 45 kids, and they are all really, really good kids."

Pennington, who has been at Wasilla High School for seven years, said the band's role has always been a positive one -- and that's exactly the kind of feedback he's received from people over the years.

"If we've been double-booked and haven't been able to be at a game, I hear about it right away," Pennington said. "They'll let us know they missed us. People have told me to make sure to reschedule the other stuff around the games because they miss having us in the building."

The pep band isn't the only crowd-pumping spirit section for the red and white. The cheerleaders' job is to get the crowd riled up, and that requires a lot of give and take with the band.

"If the cheerleaders are cheering, we are cheering, too," Pennington said. "If we're playing, they dance. It works out great."

Pennington said he is excited about the resurgence in pep bands. Colony High School has an up and coming pep band, and Palmer High School is starting to get together as well, Pennington said.

The band has also appeared at football games throughout the years, but by and large, basketball season is when the band hits its high note. After seven years worth of football and basketball seasons, Pennington is quick to point out what is an all-time favorite moment.

"Last year's state basketball tournament was just unbelievable," Pennington said. "I don't know if you'll see that kind of energy again. I hope we do. I think Wasilla is a great community that travels well with the teams. At state last year, everyone was wearing the same outfits. It was awesome to be around."

Pennington said he hopes the pep band fosters that type of attitude everywhere it goes.

"They're a bunch of really good kids doing really good things," Pennington said. "They keep it positive and make it fun. That's what it's all about."