Wood Students Compete in Sixth Annual Viking Night

The Gold Squad came out victorious on Friday night, at Archbishop Wood’s 6th annual Viking Night competition. The Gold Squad, which was defending last year’s victory over the Black Squad, won 57-38.

The competition took place from 6:30 to 11:30 Friday night in Wood’s gymnasium. The two teams were led by student captains – Mike of the Gold Squad and Chris of the Black Squad – who trained their teams over a month-long period.

Helping to judge the competition was District Judge Daniel J. Finello. Finello also stands as an assistant varsity coach for Wood’s girl’s soccer team.

The Gold Squad took wins in the spelling bee, trivia contest, captain’s tug of war, cheerleading competition, women’s speed pyramid, freshman and sophomore dodge ball, and the junior/senior show, among others.

During the captain’s tug of war, the rope snapped in half, sending students flying to the floor in opposite directions. The rope was then replaced.

Captain of the Black Squad, Chris, a senior at Wood said “Viking Night really brings the school closer.” Chris was sore about losing the competition, but knows that the Gold Squad “Only has bragging rights until we do this again next May.”

Viking night “Started six years ago when some students at Wood wanted to have a spirit night” said Principal Mary Harkins. The students then came up with a format of how Viking Night would run.

“The format has stayed the same, but the interest, the involvement, and the spirit it engenders has grown exponentially” Harkins said.

Although under adult supervision, the students set up all the dances and practices, even disciplining those who don’t show up to practice.

In that six years' time, the event has gone from about ten or so kids on each team and a few parents coming as spectators, to the literal mob of student involvement and massive parent and teacher support. The gymnasium was packed, with some having to sit on the floor after the two, large sets of bleachers on either side of the room were filled.

Both the relay race and the choreographed dance competitions were the most neck-and-neck. The Black Squad won the freshman and sophomore show, while the Gold Squad won five points for the junior and senior show.

Linde Luczakowsky of Horsham was present to watch her daughter, Erica, compete in the dancing competition.

“She’s been working her tail off for this” Luczakowsky said, “Plus we made 21 shirts yesterday and somehow I got suckered into making the signs. My house is covered in gold glitter.”

Erica is the captain of the cheer squad and dance squad at the high school.

Viking night also had guests from the Athletes Helping Athletes Association – a program that helps special needs children participate in sports with local area teens.