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At THS it’s time for trims

By Eric Sorrentino - | Oct 3, 2007

A group of Tonganoxie High School administrators is going bald today to keep a promise made last week at a homecoming event.

In the wake of Tonganoxie’s 19-6 football victory Friday against Santa Fe Trail, the administrators will have their heads shaved at 2:45 p.m. at the high school. The head-shavings will be open for all THS students.

THS principal Jamie Carlisle made an offer to the THS seniors in the first homecoming bonfire in 15 years on Sept. 26.

Terms went like this: If Tonganoxie defeated Santa Fe Trail, a slew of THS administrators and instructors would shave their heads. The administration/faculty side of the deal included Carlisle, assistant principal Brent Smith, athletics director Brandon Parker, trainer and at-risk instructor Mark Padfield, band director Van Middlesworth and THS Booster Club president Brian Kemp.

Carlisle asked what seniors would take him up on the offer. Each THS football senior at the bonfire stepped on the stage and agreed to shave his head if the Cheiftains lost. Tonganoxie coach Mark Elston was also part of the deal, on the seniors’ side.

“I’m rooting for the football team, regardless of whether it means I’m going to be bald,” Carlisle said Thursday. “The whole key to all of this is being student-oriented. We’re going to have a little fun with it.”

The shaved head will be a new look for Parker.

“I’ve had a flat-top, but not the full deal,” Parker said Thursday. “We hope we’re looking different in about a week. We’ll be going hat shopping this week.”

Administrators estimated 500 to 600 people showed up for the bonfire, which was in the valley across the THS access road southwest of Beatty Field.

“All I know is that the management’s going to lose their hair — whatever they have left of it,” senior offensive lineman A.J. DeMaranville correctly predicted at the bonfire. “They don’t have a whole lot to spare. I know it’s precious to the older guys.”

The THS Booster Club offered complimentary hot dogs and bottled water to all who attended.

The bonfire lasted an hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The football, volleyball, cross country and boys soccer teams were introduced. Seniors from each team encouraged the community to come out to their events. The cheerleading and dance teams were also introduced.

Also attending were homecoming queen and king candidates. This year’s homecoming queen was Shannon Carlin, while the homecoming king was Drew Scates.