New Tradition as Footall Team, Band, Cheerleaders Join for Alma Mater

With a new coach at the helm, the Avon Lake Shoremen will be adding a new tradition after every Avon Lake High School football game this season: They will join the cheerleaders and members of the band to sing the Avon Lake alma mater.

“Our new coach, Larry Laird, has a daughter in the band and a son on the football team,” Marching Shoremen Band Director David Eddleman said. “As a result, he and I talked one day about the OSU tradition of the team going to the band bleachers after games to sing the alma mater and we both wanted to do this at Avon Lake.”

Eddleman and Laird set up a time for a rehearsal after team pictures, the band marched over to the field, and the group gathered to sing the alma mater.

The football and cheerleader captains met the band drum majors and field commanders and band president, and then posed for the photo accompanying this article. The coaching staff introduced themselves to the band and the band staff introduced themselves to the team and cheerleaders.

Eddleman had one word to say about the effort: “Teamwork!” he said.

He noted that in 26 years of teaching, he never had an opportunity to do something like this.

The new tradition is a family affair for Laird, his son and daughter. His wife, Dr. Jennifer Snyder, is the band boosters president.

Avon Lake Alma Mater and Fight Song

ALMA MATER

From sunsets on Lake Erie

We took Maroon and Gold

And put them deep within our hearts

Their glories to enfold

Their loyalty and knowledge

Will last our whole lives through,

For Avon Lake will always be

Our Alma Mater true.

FIGHT SONG

Fight on for Avon Lake

Champions of the year

Fight team to victory,

We lead you with a rousing cheer-

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Raise all your banners high

Maroon and Gold shall wave

Fight team to victory

Through all eternity

Fight for Avon Lake