Emily Staid ‘22
The Thunderdome, the name of EA’s student section in the stands at sports events, is re-emerging in full force to show support for all of Episcopal’s sports teams. After a year of vacant student sections and quiet crowds due to concerns about the possible spread of Covid-19, Episcopal tried to think of new ways to connect the crowd. Sadly, the lack of Thunderdome enthusiasm led to a disconnect between sports teams and the student body last year.
Photo Courtesy of Nick Schreder
Episcopal is now looking towards the future and is permitting full in-person attendance, allowing the student section to return in full force. The restoration of the Thunderdome and the sense of community it provides across the entire upper school is already evident. The 2021 Thunderdome Captains are Olivia Corrato ’22, Sam Malloy ‘22, and Bella Piselli ’22. Corrato attests to the Thunderdome’s strong influence on the EA community, “I think our student section brings the community together, especially between the younger and older kids. It gives everyone a chance to meet each other.” Piselli explains, “Coming together as a student body in another atmosphere is always fun. Being part of the Thunderdome is special because no matter what grade someone is in they are still contributing to the hypeness.” Nikki Marzella ’22 recounts her first experience back in the Thunderdome, “It was nice to see the school come together and show out to support our teams. You could really feel the sense of community across the upper school.”
The comradery amongst all grades through the Thunderdome really helps the players and their performances. Jake Fant ‘22, a captain and the quarterback of the football team, attests, “The energy the fans give us is what helps us win games.” The spirit of the crowds and the energy it brings clearly adds momentum to the plays. Captain and wide receiver Bryce Cooper ’22 says, “We feed off the hype of the crowd and the more excited the dome gets after a big play the more we want to go back and make another big play.”
This was exemplified in the first home game win over Roman Catholic. The steep competition they brought along with their commanding size was no match for the Churchman and the Thunderdome, as the Churchman emerged victorious with a score of 34-26.
The lack of enthusiasm last year was definitely felt by both the players and the spectators. CJ Jones ’22 states, “Home games lacked the right amount of zest. Like you’re playing football with the volume halfway up.” This lackluster environment, in ways, stunted the intensity of the game. Jake Jaszcz ‘22, captain and wide receiver, notes, “It was really awesome to finally see the stands full again. Getting the win in front of that environment was just what we wanted.”
Thankfully, upon the Thunderdome’s return, regardless of the score at the end of the game, the student section is always there to provide vibrant energy. As Cooper says, “The Thunderdome created an electric atmosphere.” Neo Vossschulte ’22, recounts his first experience of the full Thunderdome,“It was amazing. The atmosphere was unlike any other.” Compared to his first game two years ago at Marple Newtown High School, Vosschulte explains, “The Thunderdome’s noise alone generated more noise than anything I have ever heard at a high school football game.”
The power of the community formed around the Thunderdome for both its returning and new members truly makes it feel special. As Episcopal athletics move forward, the teams, students, and coaches are all hoping to see the Thunderdome come back to life, enjoying the moment even more after knowing what it is like without it for the past year. Jaszcz remarks, “Every home game is special, especially the close games and the Haverford game. Celebrating with everyone always makes it memorable.”