Written by Katie Ludwig
Mrs. Niles and Mrs. Spear helped lead a tradition at Algona High School in 2016, Whoopcoming. Fun fact: wrestling is what the “W” stands for in Whoopcoming. The name has become an important staple during winter sports. The week of Whoopcoming is full of events that involve students, staff, and the community, similar to the events of traditional Homecoming. Taylor VanOtterloo and BellaJo Dunning have been busy planning the dress up days and the three point contest. Dunning says, “It's been easy to put together,” while VanOtterloo says, “It's been kinda hard picking the dress up days. We had to make sure to pick five everyone would like and would do.” If you see these busy planners, make sure to thank them for all they do for the school.
This week will be full of fun events for the school. To start the week, on Monday, students and staff are encouraged to partake in the dress-up day, pajamas. After school, the boys’ basketball team hits the road. They are headed to Clarion to play Clarion Goldfield-Dows. The 9/10 boys start at 4:30 PM at the Clarion Goldfield-Dows High School gym, followed by the Junior Varsity at 6:00 PM. When that game wraps up, Varsity boys will take the court at around 7:45 PM. The Dawg Pound theme is Disney, so be loud and support the boys’ basketball team. For the girls, they are also hitting the road but heading east. Monday night, the girls’ basketball team heads to Mason City. The 9/10 girls start at 4:45 PM in the Mason City High School gym. Following, the Junior Varsity starts at 6:15 PM with Varsity at 7:45 PM. The Dawg Pound theme is also Disney for the girls. Monday night is full of basketball, so don't forget to support the hard working Bulldogs.
Tuesday is an important day for the Algona boys’ wrestling team. The dress-up day at school for students and staff is jersey day. The #1 boys’ wrestling team will host the Varsity Boys Regional Duals at 6:00 PM against #23 Crestwood and #21 West Marshall. Be loud and support the boys in this achievement for the team. If the team wins, they will advance to State Duals.
Wednesday, the halfway point through this fun week, is putting a spotlight on the Algona FFA. During the school day, all staff and students are encouraged to participate in the dress-up day as a dynamic duo. After school, FFA will be hosting NC District FFA Officer Interviews/Iowa Degree from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Two Algona students will be participating. Be sure to support Cassidy Bierstedt and Malea Divis.
Thursday, the Algona Bulldogs are taking a vacation to the beach; students and staff are encouraged to dress in their best beach attire. But the fun doesn't stop there, the Bulldogs hit the road. The Varsity girls' wrestling team will be headed to the Xtream Arena for the two-day State tournament. The 9/10 boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be heading west to play Spencer. The boys will start at 6:30 PM in the Spencer Senior High School Fieldhouse with the girls following at 7:45 PM.
Fun-filled Friday is full of exciting events for the Algona Bulldogs. While the girls’ wrestling team is putting in the work down at the Xtreme Arena for State, the students at school will be staying busy. Students and staff are encouraged to dress as the best BBQ dad or soccer mom. Friday night the gym will be busy all night. To start the evening, the Junior Varsity girls will be taking on Hampton-Dumont-CAL at 3:45 PM followed by the Junior Varsity boys at 5:00 PM. Varsity girls will take the floor at 6:15 PM. During halftime, there will be a three-point shooting contest. Any students, kids, or adults can partake, it is a dollar per shot. If you make a shot, you get two dollars back. Following the girls’ game will be the boys’ Varsity at 7:45 PM with the dance team performing at halftime. After the boys’ Varsity game, there will be a three point contest for high school students. Boys and girls high school students will compete for a prize. After the winner is announced, that will conclude the busy week of Whoopcoming 2025.