What makes Reitz Football special to you?

I have been born and raised as a Westsider, and even more - a Reitz Panther. My grandmother, both of my aunts, and my mother attended and graduated from RHS, and in 2007, I joined the list.

Even when I was young, I knew there was something amazing about visiting the Bowl on a Friday night, and from the beginning, I knew what it meant to be a Panther.

I have been bleeding both blue and gray since day one, and I will continue to do so until I am dead and buried. Over my last 4 years at Reitz, I have learned to appreciate the tradition we have on the Westside, and the 'family' we aquire from attending Reitz High School.

I have never been so in love with a place and felt so comfortable showing my pride. I had no brothers or cousins who played on the team - instead, I am one of those who just sits in the stands, cheering everyone, and proudly wearing the blue and the gray.

So why is Reitz football special to me? It's because when I sit in the Bowl with the thousands of other fans and sing the school song together, it's that moment that i know that i am home. I am with my Westside family, all shouting for the one thing we all have in common - Reitz Football.

I am honored to have graduated in the bowl, and I know that one day my kids will do the same. and I hope to have a son at some point, and become a football mom proudly representing her son's number and shouting louder than ever "RHS BOYS!"

For those who dont understand why we feel the way we do about Reitz, you are invited to come and sit at a game, visit our turf and feel that passion and spirit that we have all become so used to. Then perhaps, you will feel an ounce of what we feel every weekend and still continue to feel today.

Katie Kissel - '07
always the blue and the gray