Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/510699
around school 18 Fierce but Friendly Around School If you attended the annual Latin vs. Parker basketball game at Loyola's Gentile Arena this January, you may have seen two players – one in an FWP jersey and one wearing our orange and blue – embrace in a big hug at the end of the close contest. (Latin took home the win, 53-51.) is post-game behavior is a normal sight these days when longtime rivals Latin School of Chicago and Francis W. Parker duke it out on the court or field, but it hasn't always been so friendly between the two neighboring schools. Just ask Tom Bower, director of athletics at Latin. According to Bower, when he arrived at Latin in 1981, the relationship was "acrimonious" and downright "unhealthy." He noticed poor behavior among all involved – players, coaches and fans. Emotions ran extremely high, to a degree that was not conducive to a healthy rivalry; think fights on the field, dirty play and really hard feelings between the two schools. In 1989, Bower became the athletic director at Latin, and soon after, Pat Pagnucco took the reins of the Athletic Department at Francis Parker. e two quickly struck up a friendship, talking on the phone at least once a day, carpooling to statewide AD meetings together and ultimately navigating school transitions together. As Bower's and Pagnucco's friendship grew, so did the sportsmanship between the schools. This page: Latin battled to the end to beat Parker (53-51) at January's big game. Opposite page: Girls field hockey often plays Parker in intense Homecoming games (top). Tom Bower and Pat Pagnucco (bottom) If you bleed orange and blue, it is part of your DNA to vanquish the team in blue and white. 18 around school