Sunlake Highschool senior, Nathaniel Cortright made sure to experience one of the school’s biggest traditions this year — the Butterbowl — even if it meant sprinting from one competition to another. “I decided to come out to Butterbowl because I’m a senior, so I wanted to get the full experience of my senior year,” Cortright said. “A huge part of that is Butterbowl.” The Butterbowl is more than just a football game at Sunlake — it’s a full spirit week filled with themed days, pep rallies, and plenty of school pride. Although Cortright had a hockey game earlier that evening, he didn’t let that stop him from joining in. “As soon as my game was over, I rushed to the Butterbowl and was able to catch the last half of the game with my friends,” he said. Unfortunately for Sunlake, the game didn’t end in victory. “The game was ok. Unfortunately, Sunlake took an L, and when I got to the game the atmosphere had already died down pretty good,” Cortright admitted. Still, he found a silver lining in reconnecting with friends and enjoying the moment. “The best part was definitely getting to see my buddies at the game,” he said. “I think me and my friends made it fun by messing around and cheering on the team.” Cortright attended the game with his girlfriend, Abigail (Abby) Ehm, and met up with a large group of friends in the senior section. “We stood in the front of the stands, laughed, and cheered for our team,” he said. “We had a great time.” Even though the energy had slowed by the time he arrived, Cortright still described the experience as “fun but kind of dull” — a reminder that sometimes, it’s not just about the score or the crowd, but the memories made along the way. Cortright’s Butterbowl night stands as one more checked box on his list of senior year memories — a mix of school spirit, friendship, and making the most of every moment.