In Wayne, the Valley versus Hills game is infamous. Every year, tensions are running high as the teams prepare to square off in the highly anticipated rival game. But over the past two years, the game has become more important than ever: a way to honor Wayne Valley High School football player Rocco Sivolella and his fight against leukemia.
Coach Kotlarz has led the Wayne Valley football team since 2014 and this particular game still brings a great amount of intensity and emotions. He explains that many of the players grew up in the same football programs and teams, but now they find themselves on the opposite ends of the field. Despite this, Coach Kotlarz tells his team to treat this game like every other game, no matter who their opponent is. The Valley versus Hills game is not only unique because of the longstanding rivalry, but a greater cause. Both schools work together to honor the “One Town, One Heart” slogan, leukemia awareness, and Rocco’s fight.
Although Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills are rivals, the supporters on both sides show up in orange–the color representing leukemia awareness. “To see orange on both sides when it’s always been one side maroon and one side blue is really incredible,” Coach Kotlarz describes. “It’s so vibrant and neat to see both sides in the same color.”
Not only is Rocco’s memory honored during the Valley versus Hills game, but all throughout the football season. Coach Kotlarz wears an orange wristband, and the team members wear an orange sticker on the back of their helmet and a patch with the number 78–Rocco’s number–on all of their jerseys. In the locker room, his jersey is hanging up alongside a photo of him. The team also gives out a weekly award to a player, the Rocco Tough Award, to a great teammate who shows perseverance and toughness. This award features a shield, phoenix, and thunderbolt, representing the importance of community and teamwork, resilience, and strength–all attributes exemplified by Rocco.
There are countless lessons Coach Kotlarz wants his players to take away from this game and sports in general. Most importantly, he admits that “life isn’t always easy, and unfortunately you’re going to deal with hardships.” He goes on to explain, “You have to find a way to persevere, and you don’t want to forget the people that were important in your life.” The Valley versus Hills game is so much more than a rivalry: it brings together an entire community to support an amazing cause and honor Rocco’s fight.
