Light-hearted energy filled the air at Lakeland High School as students participated or encouraged players in the annual Buff Puff game. These games aim to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research.
Boys from all grades can sign up to be a player on one of the teams. Male teachers also form a team of their own to compete against the student teams.
Each player is required to pay fifteen dollars to play, which goes towards the fundraiser. The fans coming to watch are also required to pay seven dollars (five if you are a student” to enter. This also goes to the fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. T-shirts are also sold along with raffle tickets to raise even more money for the cause.
This fundraiser is a highly anticipated event among people looking to play, watch, and support. Everyone wore their best pink to show encouragement to players and support breast cancer awareness. Signs were made to assist the cause as well.
This year there were a total of four teams. Three of these teams were made up entirely of students, while the other team was made up of Lakeland’s staff. Averaging close to nine players on each team, the games were held in a tournament-style matchup.
The first game began with two of the student teams. The winner of this matchup moved on to play the teacher’s team. The teachers lost and the students moved forward to the final game.
The next games involved two student teams. Ultimately, the team named ”Scrubs” was able to pull off a win, advancing them to a final game.
The last game was an exciting and humorous one to watch. Boys who had never played the sport before struggled to beat their opponents and win the competition. The coaches of the teams included two girls who play volleyball on Lakeland’s varsity team.
Everyone involved had an amazing time and seemed as though they would always participate in Buff Puff.
“Just being with my friends and getting ready before the games were my favorite parts about the night,” Cooper said.
The coaches being players, allowed the game to be even more joyous to watch. The boys on the teams were being bossed around by girls the same age as them.
The games were one set only, meaning the first to 25 points won the match and advanced through the competition.
The “Scrubs” won the last game in the end. Regardless of some setbacks such as calls, a very close score, and not knowing too much about the game of volleyball, the team still managed to come out on top and defeat their competition. When asked about the overall game Cooper believes that the refs being senior students caused a disadvantage for their team.
“Ben Ryan was being very biased in our final game against the seniors,” Cooper said.
Despite this, the in-school competition was light-hearted and fun to watch and participate in.
Ways to raise money for things that matter and connect the school are the best events held at Lakeland. Not only did this bring the community together, but while doing so, it also raised lots of money for breast cancer awareness.
Overall, the game was entertaining to watch, play, and coach. Raising money for a good cause and a little in-school competition made for a fun Wednesday night where everyone could connect.
“We’ll be back next year,” Cooper said.
