GAMES
RANKINGS
Eleanor McDonald of the Willis Sweethearts
WHAT A SWEETHEART: Willis' McDonald an ambassador for the purple and white
WHEN IT COMES TO THE VIBE AT WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, IT’S HARD TO MISS THE ICONIC SWEETHEARTS DANCE GROUP.
The flashy silver and purple uniforms moving in unison can make it difficult for any, one dancer, to stand out.
However, the team’s captain, senior Eleanor McDonald, has found ways to do just that.
“I first started dancing when I was three years old, and I’ve been at the same studio (Backstage Dance) ever since,” said McDonald. “My mom put me in dance because my younger sister was born, and she wanted me to feel special.
“I’ve stuck with it since, because I really love it. I like to show my feelings through dance, and I have a real passion for it.”
McDonald had the rare opportunity to be a part of the Sweethearts’ 50th anniversary celebration before she was named captain this season.
Jermaine Bishop Jr. of Willis
SUPER SOPH: Bishop Jr. continues family tradition at Willis
WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL HAS BECOME A HOTBED FOR NEXT LEVEL TALENT IN THE SPAN OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WHICH HAS THE WILDKATS PRIMED FOR A BIG YEAR.
While some athletes have moved in from other schools, their home-grown talent have deep roots. Much like DJ Lagway, Jr., Jermaine Bishop, Jr. grew up a Willis Wildkat – going to games and loving the purple and black.
“A lot of family members have influenced my love for football,” he said. “I started playing very young and have never looked back. My family and community has been very supportive.”
Speaking of his family, his father Jermaine Bishop was a standout athlete for Willis, and his cousin, Michael Bishop, was a Wildkat legend. The Bishop name put Willis on the map, especially when Michael thrived at Kansas State and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998.
