Buffer Week (11-13-06)

Just when you thought Halloween was over, and that it was safe to venture out after dark, you find yourself faced with another grisly apparition: dead week.

I am, of course, referring to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Buffer Week, more commonly referred to as “dead week.” This used to be the week of state football. It was a week where no other high school athletic practices could occur so that the football players bound for state would not have to miss any basketball or wrestling practices.

Now, though, the date of state football has changed to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Yet, like the many jack-o-lanterns to be seen around town, dead week remains with us. It still represents the calm before the storm, the last restful moment coaches and athletes can enjoy for many a month. Except for the precious few still playing football, everyone else is supposed to have this week to rest in peace, leaving the week all but dead.

Yeah, right.

Contrary to its name, dead week is anything but dead. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a week more alive.

Let’s review: during dead week, our high school hosted a scholars’ bowl meet, and our team traveled to two away tournaments. We hosted two junior high basketball games (dead week doesn’t apply to junior high!), as well as a cheer camp, a self defense class, a masquerade dance, and would have hosted a blood mobile (if not for the still delicate condition of our newly re-finished gym floor). Our FFA attended a Greenhand conference, and our drama kids burned the midnight oil throughout the week in marathon dress rehearsals.

Not surprisingly, a scheduling conflict did occur. Our beloved veterans asked to use our auditorium for their annual Veteran’s Day Celebration. As an old drama director, I felt that it was important to support our wonderful play production, and I sadly had to deny their request. They took the news graciously, and understood that my first duty was to the teachers and to the students. However, I have the utmost respect for the brave men and women who have so selflessly served our country, and the decision was not an easy one to make. I try to always please everybody, but even during dead week, that is not always (or even often) possible.

Luckily for all, they were able to use the Frontier Stage, and I heard that their celebration was never better. I consider myself to be fortunate to live in a community that has such a wealth of facilities, places such as the Frontier Stage, the Hill City Community Center, the Catholic CCD Center, the Fair Grounds, and the Court House. What other small town can boast so much?

Thanks to the generosity of these organizations, everyone is able to work together harmoniously to overcome the conflicts that arise in our crowded schedule. And that schedule is so crowded only because we are a community that continues to plan, schedule and support an amazing variety of entertainments, events, camps, classes, and celebrations.

Yes, in my brief time in this community, I have found Hill City to be very much alive. Even during dead week.