On Nov. 11, DECA will be putting on a basketball game called DECA Jump-Off in the large gym, which puts the seniors of 2011 against the faculty as a fundraiser. Faculty is 6-0 all-time in the series.

The evening kicks off with the freshmen participating in Knockout games. The freshmen victors then join the sophomores to take on the juniors. After this game is the main event, in which the seniors go head to head with the undefeated faculty.

“We have been doing it for six years and every year the students want to beat the faculty,” Melissa Trochim, the DECA sponsor at FHN, said. “They want to bring down Mr. [Larry] Scheller, but they have failed.”

Despite their past failures, the seniors are still confident in their ability and believe this is the year to start a winning streak of their own.

“I think we’re going to win by 30,” senior Mike Wilson said.

Even though the trash talking is considered, by students and faculty, to be one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, the game is meant to be a chance for students and faculty members to have fun.

“It’s fun for everybody,” six-time competitor Larry Scheller said. “It’s fun to cheer against your favorite teachers. It’s a good chance for DECA to raise money.”

Wilson also believes the Jump-Off is a great opportunity to have a good time.

“It’s fun to play basketball against people you see every day,” Wilson said.

According to FHN DECA member Britni Strong, this year, the main focus is helping the St. Louis Foodbank. Students can bring in canned food to the game in order to receive a reduced ticket price. Participants will be required to bring in canned food in order to sign up. The proceeds from the ticket prices will help DECA fund various activities throughout the rest of the year.

“It’s better than some because there’s student involvement,” three-time member of the faculty squad Matthew Riffee said. “It’s better than just buying a product and receiving the product.”

By Kyle Schikore