The Sage Informer

Every year in the last stretch of regular season games, both the Monticello baseball and softball teams host a 5P-, or Cri Du Chat, game in honor of the baseball head coach, Chris Jones’ son, Wade Jones. 

“It’s a great time where we can draw awareness for 5P- (Cri Du Chat). I think ultimately, it helps families that have children newly diagnosed with it. It gives them a place where they can get education, facts and support,” said Jones. 

Pep Club sponsor Mrs. Tara Stetson added, “I think the kids always look forward to honoring Wade at this game.  We crush it when it comes to all the fundraisers we do during the year.  However, I think this one is super meaningful because it is directly related to Coach Jones and his family.”

Each year, the game is promoted through a spirit week featuring some of Wade’s favorites like “Duck Dynasty Day”, a bake sale, Jimmy John’s for lunch on Thursday and a final battle of rock-paper-scissors. There will also be a tailgate before both of the games, and students are encouraged to come out and support in their “Sages Supporting Sages” t-shirts. All of this, however, would not have been made possible without Pep Club, who has helped organize all events. 

“Tyler Blythe has really stepped up this spring. Blythe, Sam Burse, Jerremy Sebens, Charlie Moore, and Pyper Burton will be organizing the tailgate for the game. Blythe and Moore also helped sort all of the shirts. Catie Swartz has organized Jimmy John’s orders and bake sale for the week,” said Stetson.

The bake sale, spirit week, Jimmy Johns, tailgate, and a final rock-paper-scissors battle all add to the hype for the game, and wouldn’t have been able to take off without the help of the students above. 

Still, the biggest reason the school has all the fundraising is ultimately for Wade and to raise awareness for Cri Du Chat. 

“[Wade] gets excited about this game. I’m not sure if he fully grasps it, but he knows every year that he gets to come out, and throw out the first pitch. We started talking about it [with him] this week. As we get closer, he’s always asking about it,” Jones stated. 

Everyone is so excited to come out and watch Wade, eat some food while watching baseball or softball, and have a good time for a good cause every year. 

Bailee Wierman, Staff Writer

wieba26@sages.us