THEATRE: BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Looking Back

at Sycamore’s Legendary Cafegymnatorium

Amy Marschand

taught Physical Education classes at Sycamore beginning in 1991. During her time as a teacher, the current cafeteria also served as the gymnasium and auditorium. Hence the more colloquial name: cafegymnatorium. Lunch tables pushed to the side for a basketball game. A small stage on one end of the room, with a storage area below that space. It was the epitome of a multipurpose room. Marschand, who would become the Head of Middle School until 2004, had a great perspective of just what the space was: a gathering place for many in a space for few.

Middle School assembly, circa 2009

Amy Marschand recalls her years at Sycamore and the cafegymnatorium as the cornerstone for many of the activities in the school. Marschand, who taught Physical Education, coached, and eventually became Head of Middle School, was also integral in the history of Sycamore Athletics. We asked her to write about the history of the multipurpose space and what she remembers about Sycamore unique use of that part of the school. The multipurpose space was the only large space for gatherings. It was truly a huge limitation, but we made the best of it because it was all we had. On rainy days the roof sometimes leaked, and we had trash cans set up to collect the water dripping to the floor. Physical education classes were often being preempted by programs in the “gym.” During this time, the growing band program quickly outgrew the stage for performances and band director Paula Fair had to find another venue to host all band concerts. We frequently had to use the cafeteria side lined with folding cafeteria tables for physical education classes when the “gym” was in use during the day. PE students and after-school athletes were frequently setting up chairs or taking them down so that we could have class or practice. For every home game, athletes had to set up chairs for the team benches and fans for every event. It was a true victory and safety benefit when pads were added on the stage section of the gym which protruded into the playing court. Girls sports at Sycamore began when I arrived in the fall of 1992. I am proud to say that after just five short years, we were able to build a winning tradition in

volleyball followed by championships in basketball as well. All this happened as we practiced and competed in the cafegymnatorium. Our facility had advantages for volleyball. The Sycamore girls learned to pass and how to control the ball practicing in a space with a really low ceiling. For home volleyball games, the official had to stand on the stage to officiate the game. Opposing teams who came to Sycamore’s cafegymnatorium were continually hitting the ceiling on serves and passes. It was comical to watch the ball ricochet from the ceiling directly to the floor. Advantage Sycamore. Opposing teams soon declined to play in the cafegymnatorium due to our fabulous home court advantage. On the flip side, Sycamore athletes were at a disadvantage when we played in a larger space. Our athletes did not know you could run more than two feet off the court to hit an errant ball from a teammate. Basketball was even more fun. With such a small floor on our home court, there was no way to spread out an offense creating a crowded area near the basket. When we traveled to compete at a regulation gym, we sometimes had Sycamore players shooting from almost half court because half court in the cafegymnatorium was closer to the basket than a current three point shot. It was a true learning experience to try to teach spacing on a large floor. I like to think that the Sycamore athletes outsmarted other opponents who were more athletically inclined. We made the very most of what we had at the time. Best of all, we had fun and were successful.” • I like to think that the Sycamore athletes outsmarted other opponents who were more athletically inclined. We made the very most of what we had at the time. Best of all, we had fun and were successful.