Staff reclaim trophy in nail-biting fifth annual WVMS kickball game

The sun was shining and the stakes were high as Warwick Valley Middle School students and staff squared off in the Fifth Annual WVMS Students vs. Staff Kickball Game on Friday, June 20.

With the series tied at two games apiece heading into this year’s match, the 2025 showdown was more than just a game – it was the ultimate tie breaker. Students packed the sidelines, cheering on their team, the Fetty Whoppers, in what turned out to be the most thrilling game in the tournament’s history since its inception in 2021.

The staff came out strong with four runs in the first inning, capped off by a grand slam from Mr. Kyle Putnam. The students answered in the fourth inning with a home run, bringing the score to 4-1. However, the staff continued their lead in the fifth inning thanks to an in-the-park-homer by Mr. Brad Garcia.

Momentum began to shift as the Fetty Whoppers staged an impressive comeback, closing the gap and eventually pulling ahead, 6-5, in the top of the sixth. But the staff responded under pressure, reclaiming the lead, 7-6, with another solid kick from Mr. Garcia. 

At the top of the seventh inning, a controversial call from WVMS physical education teacher and umpire Mike Potter left students short of tying the game – until the very next play, when they evened the score, 7-7. With the game on the line, the staff delivered a winning run, clinching an 8-7 victory as “We Are The Champions” blared from the speakers. 

“This game was so special,” Principal Jared Yapkowitz said. “We even had a parent squared off against their child for the first time – Jess Kyritsis, from our staff and her son Attis. The students gave it their all, but the teachers finally reclaimed their trophy.”