Supporters rally to give Warriors a send off
Prairie Valley football team makes history with its first trip to UNI-DomeBy EMILIE NELSON, Messenger staff writer
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GOWRIE - After nearly four months of practice, dedication and determination, the Prairie Valley Warrior football team is living a dream.
With an 11-1 record, a successful postseason and a regular season district championship to their name, the Warriors are adding to their list of accomplishments by making their very first appearance as state semifinalists at the UNI-Dome today.
The community stepped up Friday in a rally of support for its hometown team. Parents and alumni turned out to give their support - despite the cold rain and wind.
Businesses have displayed signs proclaiming "We're proud of our team," "On to state," and "Dome Sweet Dome."
" I can't explain how much we appreciate you all coming out here tonight and every Friday," Senior Team Captain Bryant Wilks said as he addressed the crowd.
"This is a huge thing," Warrior Head Coach Mike Swieter said of the community support. "Not only did we need this as a team, the community needed it too. There's not enough thanks to go around."
Swieter said that the following of fans and supporters started in mid-September when the school decided to get the community involved in homecoming festivities by hosting a parade in downtown Gowrie, followed by a pep rally at the football stadium, rather than the traditional all-school pep assembly held at the high school in years past.
"The community came out then, and they just kept coming to every game," he said. "It's been awesome. This is what it's all about."
Contact Emilie Nelson at 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net
