WACO Ultimate Warrior crowned

WAYLAND — Saturday, April 22, Chase Waterhouse claimed the ultimate title as WACO High School students presented the biennial Ultimate Warrior Pageant.

The community enjoyed an evening of entertainment from a total of 13 contestants from the junior and senior class boys representing various student teams and organizations.

This year’s pageant began with contestants performing an opening dance number to the song Macho Man.

The crowd remained entertained throughout this creative number, even when the human pyramid did not hold up as rehearsed.

Following this entertaining dance, the young men then participated in the categories of teamwear, talent, and style & wit as they fought for the title of WACO Ultimate Warrior.

During the talent portion of the evening, Mr. Wrestling and Mr. Basketball performed an Evil Knievel talent act which they put together the day before the show.

“That ended up being a comedic success,” WACO Learning Design Coach Renae Reinchenbach said.

After a panel of three judges imputed contestant scores into a computerized system, they revealed the winners of the year’s Ultimate Warrior.

This year the title of Ultimate WACO Warrior went to Mr. Volleyball, Chase Waterhouse.

Judges always gave awards for Spirit, Overall Outstanding Talent, Mr. Suave, People's Choice, and First Runner-Up.

According to Reinchenbach, The Ultimate Warrior Pageant raises funds, builds school spirit and community, and “gives lots of students a chance to be center stage.”

“The student who is comfortable starring on the field or in the gym is often incredibly nervous about answering an onstage question or performing a talent act in front of a crowd,” Reinchenbach shared. “The students who participate as contestants are stretched beyond their comfort zones. It is so much fun to watch their confidence grow as they take risks and work together to make this event a success, and it's exciting to watch students who are not contestants support contestants so they can be their best.”

“This activity supports all extracurricular activities at WACO,” Reinchenbach said. “We are a growing district and have added three new activities this year: girls wrestling, junior high softball, and high school boys soccer. Last year we added high school Speech, and next year our junior high Lego League will become part of our officially sponsored school activities.”

This year’s event raised funds through a silent dessert auction which included various pies, chocolate treats, cookies, and even turtle cheesecake.

Additionally, the community contributed to WACO extracurriculars by voting for their favorite contestants during intermission with cash.

“Between admissions, ‘people's choice award’ cash votes and the silent dessert auction, the event raised almost $1,300,” Reinchenbach said.

The school hosts this show every other year alternating with the Warrior Alumni Games.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com