Gold captures Sports Night battle

In the battle of black and gold, the Gold Team came out on top.

A three-year winning streak by Black Team was snapped at the 61st annual Sports Night on March 23 at Wantagh High School. The event, one of Wantagh’s longest running traditions, drew a large crowd who came out to watch the girls — and one boy — compete in a variety of activities.

“Honestly, I think it’s the best feeling that I’ve ever experienced,” said Ruth Kupperberg, co-captain of Gold. “To have your hard work pay off was honestly the greatest accomplishment.”

This year’s themes were “Blackies on Broadway” and “Goldies at the Museum,” and each team’s skits featured choreographed routines. The Gold Team paid tribute to King Tut and Cleopatra, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Greek goddesses, dinosaurs, mummies and astronauts. Kupperberg said the highlight of the night for her team was when the juniors performed a dance dressed as mummies set to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Kupperberg said she and co-captain Katie Hagan picked the museum theme because they were looking for something educational, diverse and fun, and wanted to use songs that the crowd would know.

The Black Team’s performance centered on several Broadway shows include “Wicked,” “Footloose,” “Annie,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mama Mia” and “Hairspray.”

Gold won for its folk and rhythmic performances, 10th and 11th grade show and its finale. It is also broke the Black Team’s 17-year streak of wins in the teamwork, spirit and cheer category.

Other events included relay races, the popular cage ball, and a tug-of-war, the latter two won by the Black Team.

Gillian Chowske and Ciara Langan led the Black Team. Each team also had captains for the different events. Brendan Von Runnen and Luca DiMatteo were the emcees, introducing each set of performers and competitors, and advisors Francine Browne and Diane Sales coordinated Sports Night.

“I definitely thought it was fun,” said DiMatteo, who sported a gold shirt while Von Runnen wore black. “Spirits were definitely high. All the girls’ hard work paid off.”