A big part of Leyden Township High Schools’ homecoming is when teachers put down their pointers, books and lesson plans to face off on the gridiron.
Teachers from West Leyden High School and East Leyden High School went head-to-head at West Leyden’s football field in Northlake for the annual East vs. West faculty football game the evening of Oct. 1.
This year, East Leyden teachers came out on top, winning the flag football game 28-21.
The game is one of the school’s long-standing traditions, bringing out plenty of student and community support.
Madison Ganir, 16, Paulina Cylwik, 16, and Jaime Nazario, 16, came out to support their teachers — especially East Leyden Principal Jason Markey.
“We have the best principal,” Ganir said. “He’s so into Leyden Pride.”
Jose Cooper, 14, of Northlake, argued the true Leyden Pride is on the west side. The freshman ran home after school let out, then came back to school to see the game.
“This is my first time going and I heard it was really cool,” he said. “It’s a very strong rivalry.”
An array of posters in the bleachers showed support for individual teachers; others showed each high school’s bravado, with slogans like “West is Best” and “East is a Beast.”
Tom Cartwright, a physical education teacher at East Leyden, said he’s been at the school for 13 years and has participated in the event almost every year.
“It’s always fun and games, but it’s definitely about bragging rights,” Cartwright said.
Leah Nelson, 23, teaches life skills at West Leyden, and claims proudly that “West is the Best.”
“It’s fun to get around with all the teachers,” she said. “It’s a good bonding experience and helps us feel like Leyden family.”
“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been doing this,” said John Schiemann, a physical education teacher at East Leyden.
He’s been teaching at the school for eight years and enjoys spending time with his colleagues on both sides of the ball.
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“It’s a good time and it’s for a good cause,” he said.
Annette Miller, 45, has been teaching at East Leyden for 18 years and has always enjoyed participating in the game.
“It’s fun and I like the rivalry, and obviously it’s for a good cause,” she said.
The game is a fundraiser for the Leyden Family Fund, which helps students from lower-income families. The school raised cash through donations, as well as the sale of T-shirts and food. Leyden High Schools officials say the game raised $1,000 for the fund.
In the meantime, West Leyden teachers will have the opportunity to redeem themselves when teachers head toward the basketball court later this year for their next rivalry contest.
Twitter: @DavidDPollard