Lights illuminate the field as students chant from the sidelines, decked out in black Hackley merch. Students of all ages cover the stands, rowdy, cheering for all the sports teams at their biggest game of the season.
The sting is an annual Hackley tradition for students across divisions to come together in spirit and support our athletic programs. This celebration of Hackley athletics gathers kindergarteners and seniors alike.
“When I’m older, I’m going to play football. I’m really excited to watch the football team tonight,” said first-grader Grayson, who has been at Hackley since Kindergarten.
Groups of Hackley’s youngest community members supported the athletes they hope to someday be like along the fence of Pickert Field. Some athletes were in their shoes some years ago and reflected upon the time they had been at Hackley.
“I used to come all the time and watch my cousin play, even when I was in kindergarten, so it was terrifying going into the game. I mean, it was the last time I’m ever going to play in a Hackley Sting. All I could think about was how it was going to be my last sting, and how I’ve been here for so long,” said John Pierre “JP” Ngbokoli, a senior, captain, and lifer.
Not only is the Sting game symbolic to Hackley seniors because it is their last, but it is important to students because it is one of, if not the most supported, games of the season.
“I think it was the most terrifying game I’ve ever gone into because Sting is like the one game you don’t want to lose, that and the championship are the two most important games. Like the Sting is truly on that level,” said JP.
The football night game resulted in a 28-12 victory over Rye Country Day School, and it was not the only win Hackley athletes produced on this momentous day. Hackley varsity teams swept their competition, beating every rival across sports:
Girls Varsity Soccer beat Fieldston in a 6-0 shutout. The game was historic in that it featured Gabriella Petriello, breaking the school’s all-time scoring record, in a four-goal performance.
Girls Varsity tennis swept Fieldston 5-0, continuing their run towards another Ivy and NYSAIS title.
Boys Soccer won 3-2 in an intense overtime battle against Fieldston. The team was down 2-1 heading into the final few minutes of the game before scoring two unanswered goals to win in double overtime, keeping their focus and momentum together heading into overtime, after what the team thought was a last-minute game-winner was called back due to a foul.
Field Hockey also won, beating the reigning Field Hockey Ivy League champions, Fieldston, 2-0.
Many players thought that the great showing for Sting this year had a lot to do with the environment that was created by the fans. Parents from the HPA passed out decorations for students, including necklaces and noisemakers, to get the crowd even more excited.
“It felt good to be able to play a competitive game, but still have fun, and still put on a show for the fans,” said senior girls’ soccer captain Zion Bennett.
The day games and night games alike had many enthusiastic supporters, which aligned with the aspirations of seniors for their final sting.
“The environment is always great, and winning that game felt absolutely amazing. Going out with a bang in my 13th year here,” JP said.
