In the realm of high school sports, October is often dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. Teams dedicate their games in support of a well-known organization. This year, however, Watertown High School is giving back to their community and the nation in a slightly different way.

Watertown High School has dedicated this October to benefit the veterans of their community. Upon seeing the success of the “Dig Pink” games, Coach Allison Demarest was confident it would be supported. Demarest’s husband is an Iraq War Veteran and still in the army so it is a cause the team holds dear.

All proceeds went to benefit the WWII Veteran’s Memorial being built in town as well as the Veteran’s Outreach Program.

The game took place on October 7th and Woodland Regional High School traveled to Watertown’s gym decked out in apparel representing all branches of the military. Watertown players sported digital camouflage accented jerseys and socks, provided by their booster club. Team members decorated the gym with a red, white, and blue theme, complete with balloons and posters. In the gym entrance, a list of names was posted to honor those who served and to keep in memory the ones who were lost. Demarest said that her team was eager to start this new tradition.

“They’re very excited and we have a lot of support from the community too,” said Demarest.

Before the start of the game, veterans in the audience stood and were recognized with a wholesome round of applause from all spectators. Veterans of the community then thanked the high school for their contributions and both teams gathered in the center of the court to join in singing the National Anthem.

Woodland took the win 3-0, but the support of both students and fans from both schools was overwhelming.

Senior Mckenna Cronin said, “I believe it was time to get back to the veterans and show them how truly important they are to every single one of us.”