05/22/2026
The annual Staff vs. 6th Grade Kickball Showdown turned into an instant classic on Friday afternoon as the “experienced” staff squad survived a furious upset attempt by the 6th graders, escaping with a dramatic 13–12 victory in what many are already calling the greatest kickball game in school history.
The 6th graders arrived overflowing with confidence — and players. With a roster of 28 students, they looked more like they were preparing for a small military operation than a kickball game. Meanwhile, the staff limped onto the field with just 10 brave souls, several of whom reportedly needed to stretch for 20 minutes before the first pitch.
On paper, the matchup didn’t seem fair. On one side: energetic 11 and 12 year olds with unlimited stamina. On the other: a team powered by coffee, ibuprofen, and determination.
Early in the game, the 6th graders used their speed and giant bench to jump out to a big lead. Students were flying around the bases while the staff attempted to remember whether kickball counted as cardio. At one point, several staff members could allegedly be heard asking if there would be “water breaks between innings.”
But just when it looked like youth would prevail, the veteran leadership of the staff began to shine through. The powerful offensive combination of Principal Mr. Gullickson and Superintendent Dr. McNeff proved nearly unstoppable. The two combined for booming kicks, aggressive base running, and enough competitive energy to make students question whether adults secretly train for this event year-round.
Mr. Johnston delivered several clutch kicks while also attempting to convince everyone he “still had wheels,” despite visibly needing extra recovery time after rounding second base. Mrs. Okke and Sara Schmaltz kept the dugout energy high, while Mrs. Leer and Mrs. Fritz anchored the defense with calm veteran play. Nurse Wentz remained on standby in case any staff members pulled a hamstring simply by sneezing too hard.
Defensively, the staff put together a masterclass. After being burned by several sneaky bunts early in the game, the adults adjusted with surprising strategy and teamwork. Mrs. Bohl and Mrs. Heilman shut down the bunt game completely, forcing the 6th graders to actually kick the ball past the defense — which turned out to be much harder than expected.
Still, the students refused to go away. Every inning seemed to bring another rally, another close play, and another group celebration from the massive 6th grade bench. With the score tied late in the game, the tension around the field was unbelievable. Teachers who normally stayed calm during state testing were suddenly yelling at umpires and arguing about whether a kick was fair or foul.
Then came the moment everyone will remember.
With the 6th graders threatening in the final inning, a towering kick sailed into shallow outfield territory. The crowd gasped. The students were already preparing to celebrate what looked like the game-winning hit.
But out of nowhere, Mrs. Heilman launched herself through the air with a full-extension diving catch that instantly earned comparisons to a SportsCenter Top 10 highlight. Students stood in shock. Staff members exploded in celebration. Somewhere in the distance, ESPN producers were probably taking notes.
As the final out was recorded, the exhausted staff celebrated their hard-fought victory while simultaneously searching for ice packs and lawn chairs. The 6th graders may not have won the game, but they earned the respect of the adults by giving them the toughest battle they’ve ever faced.
Rumors are already circulating that several staff members may “retire” before next year’s rematch.
