Poland schools plan pep rally as basketball team goes to tourney

Poland schools plan pep rally as basketball team goes to tourney

POLAND — For only the fourth time in the school district’s history, the Bulldogs boys basketball team is going to the state tournament, and the public is invited to join in the celebration.

A pep rally at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Poland Seminary High School is open to the public. The rally follows a spirit walk kicking off at 10 a.m. where team members visit each of the district schools.

“It’s blue-and-white day, and the students will be wearing blue and white,” said Superintendent Robert Zorn, referring to the school colors.

At 2:45 p.m., the team leaves for Columbus by chartered bus to prepare for the state semifinals at 2 p.m. Thursday against No. 2-ranked Chillicothe.

Public support is welcome at the send-off, too, Zorn said.

If they’re victorious Thursday, the finals are at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

The team, led by Coach Ken Grisdale, raked in the sectional, district and regional titles this season with a 25-0 record.

This is the fourth time in the school district’s history that the boys basketball team has gone to state. The other years were last year, 2002 and 1972.

The superintendent said that all pupils will be excused from school Thursday to attend the game if they give written permission from a parent to their respective building principal by Wednesday afternoon. Friday will be a regular day of classes but may be counted as an excused absence if parents request it in writing by Wednesday afternoon.