Sheffield has announced its 2024 Homecoming Court. Crowning will occur during the Saturday football game in Sheffield, with kickoff at 1:30 pm. In back, from left, are Andrew Kyler, Marc Lewis, Andrew Holden, Braylon Winslow, Colby Barr. In front are: Madison Connolly, Madison Hackley, Katie Powell, Emily Davidson and Sarah Hoffman.

SHEFFIELD — Sheffield Middle-Senior High School has known for the past two years that the future of the high school and its sports programs is bleak.

While awaiting their fate, the coaches of the football and cheerleading teams have made it their mission to ensure a successful year with great memories for the Wolverines.

Melissa Bullock, Sheffield varsity cheerleading coach, said, “Coach (Mike) Barr and I had a conversation at the beginning of the season. We want to ensure we have given the kids the biggest and best season.

“If this is the year we are going out, they will have incredible memories of the final year,” Bullock continued.

Sheffield’s homecoming week celebration began with Spirit theme days for the students, including the following:

— Monday, country club vs. country.

— Tuesday, dress as your favorite teacher.

— Wednesday, dress as “your type” (athletic, nerdy, etc.)

— Thursday, soccer mom vs. BBQ bad.

– Today, orange and black

“We have seen some interesting spins on the spirit days; the kids are having a great time with it,” said Bullock

This evening holds a slate of activities for the athletes and community, including a parade and bonfire.

The Sheffield sports boosters will provide meals for all the current fall sports athletes prior to the parade and bonfire. Lining up for the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the boat launch.

At 7, the parade will proceed on Main Street and straight to the playground area, where the bonfire will occur. Any football/cheer alum is invited to meet at the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department and walk to the bonfire together as “one last walk, one last bonfire.”

The varsity cheerleaders are making a float for the class of 1961 to enable that alum group to participate in the parade.

“We see just as many people from the community come for the bonfire as the Fireman’s Festival, which is incredible,” Bullock said.

The bonfire festivities begin with the school choir and cheerleaders leading the National Anthem, followed by the school’s alma mater. The coaches, captains, and leaders will have a chance for speeches, and then, as is tradition in Sheffield, the Wolverines will toss a casket into the bonfire.

This year, Sam Grubbs will be DJ-ing to add to the hype of the big event. There will be yard games, entertainment, and reminiscing.

During game day, there will be an alum table for signing in, and those who sign in will be recognized.

Chuck Demko, known as the voice of the Wolverines, will call the Homecoming Game on Saturday on Wolverine Mountain. Kickoff is at 1:30 pm.