As the leaves change and football season heats up, several teachers at Stillwater High School are swapping lesson plans for lineups in a spirited fantasy football league. Mr. Rivera has started this league this year to help staff be more social and add some friendly competition to their daily routine.
“The purpose of the league is to give some friendly competition amongst SHS staff,” Mr. Rivera said.
He said that the league has brought excitement and strengthened relationships among teachers.
“We always have something to talk about when we see each other in the hallways,” he added.
The stakes in the league are as competitive as they are humorous. Every week, contestants compete for the gold—literally: the winner takes home a handmade trophy courtesy of Ms. Mitts, who created a gold trophy complete with lights and music. The loser faces a pie in the face during a staff meeting..
Mr. Benites, who leads the league with his team, Juan’s Tarantulas, expressed his excitement about participating.
“Being part of the Staff Fantasy Football League has been a great experience,” said Benites, whose team is currently 7-1-0. “It gives me something to look forward to each weekend, and it creates different conversation opportunities with my colleagues. Those organically become braggy, which is always fun.”
His team is doing well this season.
“Injuries have been few, so the team is strong. I have enough options to move players around, which helps a lot when running a team,” he said. “Just need to find a way to stay humble; a race is not about how you start, but how you finish.”
Ms. Stepp said the league has brought her and her coworkers closer.
“We enjoy having lunch together or talking more at the end of the day,” she said.
Her team, currently sitting at 3-4 and in sixth place, started strong, but the last few weeks have been less than stellar.
“I chose my team based on the team colors, if the players looked friendly and I liked their hair,” she said. “I just want to beat Mr. Rivera.”
With the league in full swing, the teachers at SHS have turned into fantasy football managers. As the season goes on, excitement and playful rivalry are sure to keep the halls buzzing with conversation.
