The fateful week has arrived. It’s time. It’s here. Snowblast. This annual event features a week-long series of competitions where teams of 10 students compete for a coveted T-shirt. Students can choose to watch movies during W-hour, compete in minute-to-win-it challenges, or even take on the notorious final sled race down Garbage Hill.

Snowblast and U.S. History expert Andrew Britton always looks forward to the classic winter event.

“It’s nice to be having fun with students outside of a classroom setting,” he said. “It's nice to get to know the students better.”

Government teacher Paul Stellpflug loves seeing students spark up in competition.

“Students and staff participate because it is fun,” he said. “We go out and cheer on other kids and watch events, some of which are very unusual. When else do you get to watch students in a log saw competition?”

Snowblast veteran and math teacher John Stack is ready to jump back into action after taking a year hiatus.

“I was bummed out when Snowblast was called off last year, but I understood,” he said.
“Now, we need to enjoy it because we lost a whole year of people knowing and experiencing what it is all about.”

Junior Jennsen Berg is ready to take on Snowblast and wants to share the experience with others.

“I think it makes everyone happier,” she said. “We get together and are able to connect more. Especially for the sophomores and the freshmen that haven’t had the experience yet, I think it will be really good.”

Sophomore Olivia Willison is a part of the demographic mentioned by Stack and Berg. As a part of the class of 2024, Willison has never experienced a “normal” Snowblast.

“I heard it’s like Homecoming but in the winter,” she said. “I had a lot of fun during that week, so I hope that this week will be similar.”

Britton is excited and thankful for Snowblast’s return.

“It’s great to see and it fills the needs of teenagers, especially now after Covid,” he said. “A lot of teenagers have struggled with not being at school. It’s really been a shock for students and we've learned that with all the problems regarding depression and anxiety.”

Junior Erik Grey feels grateful for the “saving grace” timing of the festivities.

“Snowblast is a great time to take a break from normal school work and exercise your body and brain,'' he said. “February is one of the hardest months of the school year, and it’s a long stretch with nothing to do.”

Principal Erin Kohl acknowledges the burnt-out drag of January and February that students and staff alike often experience during the time of Snowblast.

“I love that we do something in the middle of winter, when you get those winter blues and you are in the long stretch between winter break and spring break,” she said. “Snowblast is the most fun week of the school year.”

Senior Anika Larson sees Snowblast as an opportunity to get to know the community and hopes many students have chosen to participate.

“It’s a great chance to get involved at school,” she said. “You get to do a lot of fun stuff during the week. I promise you will have a good time.”

Senior Arianna Ballman credits Snowblast for helping her reach out and get to know more people.

“It has opened my eyes, and I have met so many great people to talk to,” she said. “It is just a great experience overall.”

In addition to the social and mental care aspects Snowblast brings, it’s also accredited for its competitive challenges. Ballman is a fan of the sled race.

“The garbage hill race, where you make your own sled, is always fun,” she said. “It is cool to see the different things that people think of to use for sleds.”

Berg shares the same beliefs.

“It’s really fun seeing what people can make,” she said. “One person brought a canoe last time, and another brought a car hood.”

Britton, who has been a part of Snowblast since 1997, has his own favorites he enjoys every year.

“I always thought the Tug of War and the pyramid build were the best parts,” he said.
“It used to be out in the courtyard. Everyone had to wear red, so the red pyramids against the white snow really made it a spectacular view.”

History teacher Daniel Lewis believes one of the best parts about Snowblast is the opportunity it provides for students and staff to bond.

“I know the students generally like it, so it seems like something that not only helps with school spirit but makes them more excited to be at school,” he said.

Stellpflug thinks that everyone should give Snowblast a shot.

“It is such a great time of the year,” he said. “Just find people, make a team, and make new friends.”

By Evan Giordano

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue !V

January 31st, 2022

Snowblast ignites as sure cure for seasonal blues afflicting students, staff alike