WSHS 1970s - Extracurricular Activities
West Springfield students have always valued extracurricular activities. In particular, the English Department thrived during the latter half of the decade. Their biggest success was the Shakespeare Festival in 1979 as it was attended by Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor Warner. This event was one of the most memorable of the decade for many dedicated West Springfield students.
Other clubs and extracurriculars also prospered in the 1970’s. One of the most popular among students, known for its comedic value, was the “International Turtles”. The International Turtles Society was the epitome of student life at West Springfield, claiming to have partied hard and sung through the halls of the school.
Firsts in Spartan Sports
West Springfield had many firsts in athletics during the 1970s. For example the following sports were first offered:
1970
- Girls Volleyball
- Boys Soccer
- Freshman Wrestling
1972
- Swim and Dive Team
1975
- Girls Cross Country Team
1976
- Girls Soccer Team
Explore more activities available to students in the 1970s
West Springfield Cheerleaders, 1971-72.
West Springfield Football Player, 1971-72.
West Springfield’s Freshman Cheerleaders, 1971-72.
West Springfield’s Reserve Band, 1971-72. Beginning musicians who were taking their first steps toward higher ranks formed the Reserve Band.
West Springfield’s Spartonians, 1971-72. The Spartonians held bake sales, participated at football games, decorated the cafeteria for the fall sports banquet, performed skits at pep rallies, and were guides for Parents Night.
West Springfield’s Varsity Softball Team, 1971-72.
West Springfield’s Baton Corps, 1973-74, Linda Magonigle, Jeanice Weston, Diana Broyles, Shawn Obaugh, and Vickie Takagi.
West Springfield’s Boys Basketball, 1973-74.
West Springfield’s Boys Tennis, 1973-74.
West Springfield’s Drill Team, 1973-74. The Drill Team performed a pregame show at football games and, for the first time this season, marched with the Band and Baton Corps at halftime.
West Springfield Drill Team Co-captains Robin Scichilone and Patty Conrad, and Captain Nancy McDonald, 1973-74.
West Springfield’s Junior Varsity Field Hockey Team, 1973-74. The J.V. team ended their season with a 4-0-3 record, a great accomplishment considering the majority of the team were new and inexperienced.
West Springfield’s Varsity Field Hockey Team, 1973-74.
West Springfield’s Junior Varsity Football Team, 1973-74. The J.V. football team opened the year with a lot of spirit, defeating Lake Braddock with an 83 yard touchdown by Chuck Young.
West Springfield’s Girls Varsity Basketball Team, 1973-74. The team started off their winning season with a landslide victory over the Hayfield Hawks by a score of 82-26.
West Springfield’s Girls Gymnastics Team, 1973-74. The team started of its season by winning its first three meets without any apparent challenge.
West Springfield’s Marching Band, 1973-74. This year was the first time West Springfield had a marching band in two years.
West Springfield’s Girls Chorus, 1973-74. The Girls Chorus performed both traditional and contemporary works. This music group added variety to the concerts put on the choral department.
West Springfield’s String Ensemble, 1973-74. The String Ensemble started out as an after-school activity and eventually became a regular class.
West Springfield’s Swim Team, 1973-74. The Spartan Swim Team ended its second year as a varsity sport with a winning season.