On October 25, Groton held its first night game of the school year –– the boarding school version of “Friday Night Lights” –– where Groton Basketball trounced Rivers 55-30. The spirit and ethos in the atmosphere were incredible: parents, students, and teachers alike rooted for the team. The Athletic Department and Student Activities Committee (SAC) are excited to carry on the spirit displayed during these special games into the winter season.

Groton boys varsity basketball kicked off the winter night game season: on December 7 they competed against Pingree School. Unfortunately, Groton lost 73-84, but it was a hard-fought game where both teams played vigorously and intensely. 

“We played hard, and we never gave up. Even though we lost, we cut a twenty-plus point gap to a six-point gap in the second half, and that is hard to do,” team manager Henry Kuck ’20 said. “It wasn’t very loud but a ton of people showed up and that was really nice to see.”

The night game tradition began last winter and, due to its success and popularity, is now entering its second year. Night games are not easy to organize; planning begins at least one term in advance. While the Athletic Department and SAC try to give each varsity team a night game, some teams schedules don’t allow for it (teams could end up traveling long distances or having no home games on Saturdays). The SAC works directly with the Athletics Department to look at each season’s schedule and discuss which games could be pushed to a night time slot. 

Groton night games are not only amazing opportunities for fans, but also for players. Players are excited to compete in front of such a massive crowd of their friends, coaches, and teachers, motivating them to keep persisting. 

“Most public high schools get to play under the lights every Friday, and at Groton, a night game like this doesn’t come that often. I think it was a unique opportunity for the team to bond and play at such a high level in front of such a massive crowd,” varsity football player Luke Romano ’23 said.

There are several games planned for this winter, which will be announced by the Spirit Comittee accordingly, including the boys varsity hockey game against Roxbury Latin on February 1 and the girls varsity basketball game against Dana Hall on February 21.