Following an anticipated rival basketball game against Pioneer High School, the Rams were faced with a challenge to overcome more serious than the friendly match of halftime tug-of-war. Prior to the game, online banter was exchanged between the students of both schools. These conversations remained innocent until they became serious, with a student from Pioneer making threats to physically harm Willow Glen High School students. This student, along with others part of the attack, never entered the game so both student sections enjoyed the event and non-threatening rivalrous banter, unaware of what would be awaiting them upon the game’s close.
Following the WGHS win of 61-45, the impressive Ram student section walked as a group out of the gym to the parking lot and was met with a crowd of masked Pioneer students looking for a fight. Our students were blindsided and endured physical violence, which in turn caused distress throughout the school. Experiencing the trauma of giving police statements and witness reports is something many high schoolers aren’t prepared for. Matthew Adams (‘25) experienced the abrupt feeling of having to “run for [his] life” experiencing a sort of “tunnel vision” to get out of the crowd. The shock of having to run and find safety while being separated from friends with no adults or administration around to assist or stop the violence proved to leave students concerned, scared, and upset. Adams was one of the first to call the police revealing that “the police told [him] they were on their way, but it felt like 20 minutes until they got there.” He described the adrenaline and impatience he felt while trying to find safety and make sure his friends were okay all while on the phone with dispatch.
It is important to recognize the importance of keeping the mental health of students in mind amidst the chaos. So many students faced physical and psychological trauma due to the events that occurred. Our administration has been prioritizing getting students the help they need as well as providing them with updates. Taking this catastrophe seriously, they have been working to find the Pioneer students who caused injuries to make sure they are held accountable. By having multiple conversations with Willow Glen High administrators and San Jose Police Department officers, WGHS students and families that were affected are seeking answers and requesting action to be taken.
Due to the havoc, many Willow Glen parents and guardians were put on edge. Some felt they were not given enough information and others were concerned for the safety of their children. Ethan Loya (‘25), a student in attendance of the game who was at the center of the attack, revealed that after communicating with WGHS Principal Mrs. Hanna, he felt that she truly had the best interest of students in mind and prioritized finding the students who were responsible. She proceeded to send out an email the following day to reassure concerned parents and inform them of how seriously they were addressing the situation. Loya added that “Mrs. Hanna has done a great job.” She has been working with Pioneer administrators to ensure those students responsible will not be let off the hook and has taken action by requesting police officers to attend the next Pioneer versus Willow Glen matchup at WGHS.
After undergoing such a traumatic event, WGHS students and staff are working together to heal and take the important and necessary measures to find a resolution and restoration of safety and well being.
