For decades, fans have walked into home football games with little to no security between them and the stadium. Now, that has changed.
MacCrea Finch, Wando’s assistant principal over athletics, gives his full support to the newly implemented security measures.
“As people walk through they walk through metal detectors,” Finch said. “You don’t have to take anything out of your pockets. It’s just… looking for certain metal objects to see if they’ll… set it off, but [it] really hasn’t changed… the games.”
Metal detectors are common in schools all around the country, but Wando has never used them before this year.
“This was actually an initiative that was supposed to take place… last year… our former school board actually voted for metal detectors to be placed in schools and athletic events. When we had to transition to the new school board, we had to wait until all the funding came through. So this was something that’s been down the line for a couple of years now,” Finch said.
Kirill Misyuchenko, who is also known as ‘Officer Shorty’ by students and faculty, is Wando’s security manager. He has attended many Wando football games and overseen the security measures that have taken place at them.
“We still [have] a clear bag policy that’s under effect, if [you] leave you don’t come back, middle school kids have to be with… parents or adult[s],” Misyuchenko said.
Although these policies may feel constrictive to some, many parents seem to be supportive of them.
“I was surprised enough,” Misyuchenko said. “Our parents were thankful for having it.”
During Misyuchenko’s eight years at Wando, the need for additional security has become more and more apparent.
“Two reasons: one, with everything that’s been going on at [other] schools… with the shots fired at the game,” Misyuchenko said.
“Then the district had the resources, so why not utilize it? So we start doing it this year.”
School shootings are a terrifying prospect that have unfortunately become an even more terrifying reality, and some of these incidents have occurred at school sporting events across the United States of America.
“It makes me nervous every day coming to work, because I start thinking in the back of my mind, ‘What if today’s the day, are we ready for it?’” Misyuchenko said.
Despite the sobering reasons behind them, the metal detectors have not taken away from the fun of the Friday night games.
Sophomore Bella Burton is a huge fan of Wando football games and believes that the metal detectors are a welcome addition.
“These changes have been put in place because of the safety and the different… shootings that have been going around throughout the US, and just making sure that the students here are safe,” Burton said. “I think that’s great that we have that security here.”
While safety is often the most important factor at large events, enjoyment is a close second for many.
“I love Wando football games because…you can just go and… support your school and also see friends… and, like, supporting your team, seeing all… the sports display their talent. So I love them, I always look forward to them,” Burton said.
The new security measures, as well as the old ones, will likely stay at Wando for many years. Student safety is Wando’s priority, and now it has been strengthened in the school’s Athletics.
“You can just enjoy the game with your friends and… still walk around, have a good time,” Burton said. “But know that the police would still be… making sure that you’re safe.”