Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2007, Page 31

Description:	6t Peyton?Superbowl XLIStory by Hayley SchillingThe hype surrounding Super Bowl XLI gave it almost mythic proportions. This years gamebetween the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears was anything but a civil war battle, blood feud,a vengeful rematch, or even a lovers spat; Colts and Bears shared no animosity. Instead, Super BowlXLI should be likened to a coliseum gladiators fight where hometown hero and South graduateRex Grossman led metro-legends against loveable locals and proverbial nice-guy Peyton Manning.There were elements of greatness involved, and they were deeper than a cross-state (188 miles fromIndianapolis to Chicago) rivalry. They included respect, perseverance, fan-love, loyalty, and most rareof all: a genuine feeling that no matter what happened, both sides were winners.Cheering from the couch in his family room, Bloomington High School South sophomorePatrick Beane honored a family tradition of Bears love, and noted, Before the Colts came toIndianapolis from Baltimore, most Hoosiers were Bears fans.Super Bowl fever was not limited to students, as faculty and staff weighed in on the big game.Bears fan Mr. Daniel Kennedy asked, How can you not respect Manning, Dungy, and Harrison?emphasizing, These are not just great athletes and coaches, but all-around good people.Mrs. LisaWesemann of the main office admitted she is a fan of Peyton Manning, but not enoughto watch the entire game, opting for an old movie and commercial score checks instead.Mr. Neil Rapp was conflicted, citing complaints about Grossmans inconsistancy as a reason toget behind him now but acknowledging the Colts powerful offense.Rosalyn Sternberg, BHSS sophomore, was anxiously awaiting the result, So the Chris Farleyimpersonations will stop!Hallway chatter on Monday was strictly football-related as Bears fans heads hung low andColts supporters pumped their fists and high-fived each other. In the spirit of this special game, politecondolences could be heard, such as, Maybe next year, and They put out a good effort. Followingup on pre-game interviews was illuminating. Mrs. Weseman was relieved. Mr. Kennedy thought, Thebetter team won, but had serious questions about the Snickers commercial. Beane succumbed todeep depression and labeled the Bears loss as devastating, but offered no excuses, agreeing with Mr.Kennedys assessment that the Colts played better ball. Football is just a game; it is the journey, theglory, and the half time show that lived on for Prince fan Sternberg.In the end, the rain and cold could not dampen the spirits of wet Colts and Bears fans in Miamior the ones who were shivering back in the Midwest(temperatures dipped below zero, it was so coldbefore the game MCCSC announced a two hour delay for the school day on Monday). Grossmancommanded the grizzled monster-men who held hisline. Manning appeared surprisingly tall and exudedconfidence like an aura. Prince was cool enough topull off the fact that he had no name for awhile as heshowcased his crazy guitar skills and Cheeky K-fedtook home best commercial, giving new meaning toMcDonalds applications. Ultimately, the Colts pulledahead to take the day, the title, theVince Lombarditrophy, and receive free hats, t-shirts, and a sweetring. Grossman held his head high as he exited theMiami field for the locker room, and why shouldnt he?Grossman, you will always be a Panther!;Normally were pretty good friends, but Ill just^say Istill have a rash from touching his jersey, said Toal.«y~)Pt*Superbowl 31 Student Life
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/7555
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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