Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/510699
latin magazine » spring 2015 19 Athletics "It's a lot more fun now than it used to be," said Bower, explaining that he and the other coaches used to keep their fingers crossed at every game, just hoping there wouldn't be an incident between the two sides. It was a gradual process that developed out of Bower's and Pagnucco's similar personal philosophies, values and standards – on the field and off. ere was a joint effort on all fronts, and the two found it easy to talk through any issues that came up. When the Lincoln Park field was booked for Latin's Homecoming weekend a few years ago, Pagnucco called Bower to offer the Parker field for Latin's games. is is just one example of how the two ADs' support of one another ultimately benefited both schools. Pagnucco has moved on from her AD position at Francis Parker, but the two remain friends and talk frequently. For Latin sophomore Gavin Siegel and Parker sophomore Marc Taylor – the students hugging at Gentile Arena in January – friendship came first and rivalry later. Best friends since they were 4 years old (who met playing basketball on a youth team), the two student-athletes have learned to keep any negative feelings on the court. Leading up to any Latin-Parker game, Gavin and Marc text and give each other trouble to rile one another up a bit. "I always bust him a little bit," Gavin said. It works, given that emotions are already running high on game day. During the game, the boys do not speak, focusing on their team and how they are playing. Once the buzzer sounds, no matter what the outcome is, they hug. If you bleed orange and blue, it is part of your DNA to vanquish the team in blue and white. e excitement and passion start in the lower school: ough students may not really understand why they are rooting against Parker, they know that's what they are supposed to do as a Roman. It is integrated into the middle school sports and grows in the upper school, where the rivalry is fierce but, fortunately these days, usually friendly. It's a lot more fun now than it used to be," said Bower, explaining that he and the other coaches used to keep their fingers crossed at every game, just hoping there wouldn't be an incident between the two sides. 19 latin magazine » spring 2015