Nothing builds school culture more than tradition. That is why the Raider Showdown – Glenbard South’s annual baseball vs. softball face-off – is so important.
Despite being introduced to Raider Athletics for the first time to conclude the 2024 season, this intense matchup between our very own baseball and softball programs is here to stay. The first annual Raider Showdown was held on April 20, following the Raiders’ final regular season conference games. This game of school spirit was first organized by senior captain Rayna Davis. Parents and friends of the competing athletes packed the stands. Fighting through action-packed innings, the baseball team came out on top. Softball was led by head coach Fonda, and baseball by coaches Eufrasio and DeAngelis. Despite the athletes’ competitive attitudes, determined to be a part of the team on top, the game was mainly for fun and celebration of a great spring season for Raider athletics. A sophomore at the time, Delaney Nelson, explained her favorite memory and aspect of the game, “We mixed up everyone on both of the teams and played positions we had not played before, or typically would not play, which was super fun.”
Notably, the Showdown served as a wonderful fundraiser for the community, as all proceeds from the event were donated to a local food pantry. Rayna Davis presented the Glen House Food Pantry with a hefty check of $1,001 following the Showdown. The food pantry will be a recipient of money collected again this year, as Nelson shared, looking ahead to the event, “all proceeds are going to the Glen House Food Pantry, so we [the team] are super happy about that!”
The Raiders are excitedly awaiting the 2025 rematch, which will take place on May 10th. Since the previous hostess, Rayna Davis, graduated, she had to pass the torch of organizing the event to Junior Captain Delaney Nelson. Nelson revealed how the programs plan to switch it up to keep things interesting for this year. Nelson said, “This year, we are doing more of a draft kind of style [of deciding teams] over keeping it as softball versus baseball.” Both programs will choose a representative “team captain” who will choose their team by alternating picks. This change will surely amplify the existing competitiveness of the matchup. “Last year there was lots of talk and heckling, so I am super excited to see how this year goes as all of us are honestly very competitive,” Nelson admitted when asked what fans should anticipate for the rematch.
Ultimately, the Showdown will not be one to miss as it is not only a competitive rematch between two extremely talented groups of athletes, but a fantastic fundraiser to support our community. Raider Nation, come out and show your support for Glenbard South Athletics on Saturday, May 10! See you there in red, white and blue.
