The Hidden Opponent (THO) is a club at FVHS that focuses on combating the negative affects of mental health on athletes. THO has planned and hosted many events over the past few years, ranging from spirit days to themed sporting events, but tonight they have what could be their biggest event so far.
At tonight’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins, THO will have a booth to spread the word about mental health in athletes and— potentially more noticeably— sound the siren to begin the second period of the game.
“Hockey players don’t get that much advocacy for their mental health compared to some of the other sports THO is seen in,” said sophomore THO advocate Paige Dilley.
THO’s booth at the game will have things like stickers, flyers and plenty of students there to talk to fans about mental health in sports. The representatives at the game are sophomores Kenzie Morrison, Kayla Mulutzie, Paige Dilley, Gavin Setzer and Quin Basham.
“Morrison put it all together, reaching out to the Community Relations team at the Canes and providing all necessary information and documentation. If you teach her or know her, let her know how awesome she is,” said counseling and mental health teacher Meghan Gannon.
Morrison was instrumental in the creation of this event, as well as the FVHS chapter of THO as a whole. Sounding the siren cements these students into a diverse and incredibly famous group of people, with past siren sounders including Super Bowl champions, senators, NASCAR drivers and even musicians.
“This is a huge opportunity for the Hidden Opponent chapter here at FVHS to spread awareness [for] mental health in the athletic setting,” said Morrison.
The Hurricanes game will begin tonight at 7 p.m. but fans should arrive significantly earlier than puck drop if they want to go see the THO booth and not miss any of the action.
The next THO event is the Mindfulness Miles 5K, May 2 from 4-7 p.m., where students can come out to FVHS and run a 5K and support the mental health of athletes across the nation.
