Red and Blue 02-26-2026

SOUTH SIDE

&BLUE

3 Things to Know: Red and Blue

By Brian Kacharaba

Generations continue South Side’s cherished tradition

The Red and Blue competition is a beloved South Side High School tradition, blending athleticism, creativity, and school spirit. The 110th installment of the event will run from Feb. 26–28, featuring students from all grades competing in relays, skits, dance, and spirit activities. For over a century, the weeklong celebration has brought together the school community, highlighting teamwork, leadership, and friendly rivalry while raising excitement across Rockville Centre.

1.

Captains lead the charge

Every Red and Blue season, captains play a crucial role in shaping their teams’ strategies and spirit. When the event began in 1917, each side had a single captain: Eloise Skidmore led the Red team, and Mildred Patten led the Blue team. In 1932, a second captain was added to each side, a structure that continues today. This year, the Red team is led by Noelle Coyne and Maddie Woo, while Charly Testerman and Kiera Gunn captain the Blue Team. Captains guide practices, coordinate performances, and keep their teams motivated throughout the competition. Beyond logistics, they cultivate camaraderie, helping teammates overcome challenges and celebrating achievements. Their leadership sets the tone for how well each team performs in judged and spirit categories, and their presence is both symbolic and practical. From mentoring underclassmen to participating in every event themselves, captains ensure that Red and Blue remains a memorable, spirited, and cohesive experience for the entire South Side High School community.

GOOD LUCK TO THE RED & BLUE TEAMS!!

2.

More than just a competition

While Red and Blue is known for its friendly rivalry, the event emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and creativity. Students participate in a wide range of activities, from athletic relays and obstacle courses to theatrical skits and choreographed dances. Each event is judged not only on performance but also on effort, collaboration, and ingenuity. Spirit points, awarded for enthusiasm, teamwork, and crowd engagement, are just as important as the athletic results. For many partici-

pants, the week serves as a leadership training ground, teaching time management, communication, and problem-solving skills. The community plays a role as well, with parents, alumni, and local supporters attending events, cheering on students, and celebrating the school’s culture. Ultimately, Red and Blue isn’t just about winning trophies—it’s about creating a sense of belonging, building lifelong friendships, and leaving a lasting imprint on the South Side High School community.

3.

Sometimes red and blue make purple Red and Blue’s history includes 11 ties, underscoring just how closely matched the teams can be and how fiercely competition drives students to excel. These rare deadlocks are remembered as defining moments, highlighting the intensity, creativity, and determination of both sides. Perhaps the most famous tie occurred in 2013, when a last-minute scoring dispute sparked controversy and debate among students, faculty, and parents. That year, judges disagreed on the point allocation for a skit, leaving both teams technically level, but fans argued about the fairness of the final tally. The incident fueled spirited discussions across the school and local community, reinforcing Red and Blue’s reputation as more than just a game—it’s a test of leadership, judgment, and school pride. Since then, rules and judging protocols have been refined to minimize confusion, but the 2013 deadlock remains a touchstone for alumni, illustrating that in Red and Blue, victory is never guaranteed, and every point matters. * * *

Meet the 2026 team captains

By BRIAN KACHARABA and ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of the Herald

Age: 17

Senior

Maddie Woo has been dreaming of this moment for as long as she can remember—leading the Red team in South Side High School’s historic Red and Blue Games.

A senior and varsity basketball player, Woo has combined years of dedication, teamwork, and school spirit to guide her team through one of the district’s most celebrated traditions.

Woo has been part of the Red and Blue culture since she was a child, watching older students compete and imagining herself in their shoes. She and her co-captain, Noelle Coyne, have been close friends since kindergarten, and the two have long planned to lead a team together. Woo is the first in her family to serve as captain, though her younger cousin is following in her footsteps on this year’s squad.

Leadership comes naturally to the South Side High School student-athlete, who balances the logistical challenges of practice with motivating her teammates.

“It's all about organization and keeping the girls on task,” she said, describing her approach in the weeks leading up to the competition while emphasizing efficiency and accountability and making sure every member knows her role and completes her tasks on time.

Beyond the practical responsibilities, Woo treasures the creative side of the event. She looks forward to performing in the team skit, highlighting her love of storytelling and teamwork.

“I love the skit, I love the storytelling, and I'm really excited to show off ours,” she said.

Charly Testerman

Age:

17

Senior

Charly Testerman brings a deep love for Red and Blue and years of leadership experience to her role as captain of the Blue team. She’s been part of the tradition since freshman year, drawn to the sense of community and connection the competition fosters.

“It feels like such an honor knowing that so many amazing women before me have done this, and now I get the opportunity to do this,” Testerman said.

Testerman describes her leadership style as approachable and communicative, and she takes pride in creating a team environment where every participant feels welcomed, supported and involved. Stepping into this role as captain, she’s made it a priority to ensure all voices are heard and every effort is appreciated.

In addition to Red and Blue, Testerman is also a captain of both the field hockey and lacrosse teams at South Side, and she holds leadership positions in several school clubs, including DECA and Health International. Her experience has helped her build strong communication, time management and leadership skills she now uses to guide her team.

While the Reds took the title last year, Testerman is confident that with hard work, dedication and support from her coordinators and teammates, the Blue team is poised for a strong showing this season.

“It's been a great year so far, and all the coordinators that we've chosen to have those positions have come up with amazing things, and we just have so much confidence in all the things they're doing and the things we're doing,” she said. “We're super grateful for all of them and all the work everyone's putting in.”

Noelle Coyne Red Captain

Age: 18 Senior

For years, Noelle Coyne watched the Red and Blue Games from the stands at South Side High School, captivated by the performances, the pageantry and the pride that define the centuryold tradition. Now, as a senior and one of the Red team captains, she is no longer a spectator — she is helping shape the show.

Coyne grew up immersed in Red and Blue history. One of her oldest cousins served as a captain, and her two older sisters also competed, giving her a front-row view of the dedication and excitement that surround the event each year.

“I've been watching Red and Blue for over a decade,” she said. “One of my oldest cousins was a captain when she was in high school, and I have two older sisters that have gone through it, so I've always watched it and really loved it.”

Beyond Red and Blue, Coyne is president of the school’s UNICEF club and active in the Red Cross club, experiences that have shaped her organized and team-first leadership style.

Alongside co-captain and longtime friend Madeline Woo, she works to keep practices structured and supportive, even during long, cold hours spent building and painting props in a teammate’s garage.

“It's been my dream ever since I was little to be a captain,” Coyne said. “And the fact that it's finally real and I got to do it is so exciting.”

Age: 18

Senior

Kiera Gunn follows a family legacy into her role as captain of the Blue team, inspired by her grandmother, Dolores Edwards, who led the Blue in 1969. Carrying that history into her senior year, she feels a personal connection to the responsibility that comes with the position.

“It is so inspiring that I get to be just like her with this position,” Gunn said. Gunn describes her leadership style as vocal, communicative and grounded in positivity. She takes pride in making sure every team member feels safe, included and heard, and she works hard to ensure coordinators stay organized and on track.

Founder and captain of South Side High School’s dance team, Gunn led performances at pep rallies, football games and other school events. These experiences taught her how to lead with confidence, manage logistics and advocate for her group.

“I've learned how to communicate better as an individual through leadership through the dance team, because positive reinforcement is the best policy,” she said.

Gunn says the Blue team’s greatest strength is full-team participation, with members consistently showing up at practices. That dedication has created friendships that will last far beyond competition night.

With last year’s title going to Red, Gunn believes Blue is ready to rise.

“We're going to claim our victory through practice and kindness,” Gunn said. “Kindness is the best policy, and treating others the way you want to be treated is how you get to where you want to end up.”

Blue prepares to reclaim the title

The Blue team is gearing up for a fifth victory in seven years as they prepare to take back the win for the 110th Red and Blue.

With captains Kiera Gunn and Charly Testerman’s leadership, the team aims to build a strong sense of unity this season, with an emphasis on inclusion and participation across every level of the group. From freshmen to seniors, the captains have made a point to ensure everyone feels involved — in every aspect of the competition — and that each participant has the opportunity to showcase her talents.

Team members say their greatest strength lies in that collective commitment. Their approach to the competition centers on consistent practice and a shared belief that kindness is key to success.

Gunn and Testerman’s leadership brings strong communication and approachability for their teammates, helping ensure teammates feel supported and informed throughout the season. They’ve focused on creating a positive, inclusive environment while staying organized behind the scenes, making sure every participant feels both welcome and involved in all aspects of the competition.

After victories in 2024 and from 2020-22, the Blue team is determined to take back the win for its 52nd title since its first in 1925. The team brings together seasoned upperclassmen and eager freshmen, preserving the centuryold tradition within Rockville Centre. Blue’s bringing the spirit, putting in energy, creativity and heart to every part of this year’s competition.

— Alyssa R. Griffin

Defending Champs Ready for Battle

The Red team is aiming for a third victory in four years as they prepare for 110th Red and Blue Games. Captains Maddie Woo and Noelle Coyne are guiding a squad built on experience, leadership, and close teamwork, with Woo drawing on years of anticipation and planning alongside her longtime friend.

Practices have been highly organized, with team members taking clear roles to ensure every element of the competition is strong. Relay coordinators are focused on keeping everyone prepared and on track, while dance coordinators have polished routines and mixes to highlight the team’s energy and precision. Skit rehearsals have been equally rigorous, with attention to timing, choreography, and storytelling.

The team blends returning upperclassmen with enthusiastic freshman newcomers, creating a balance of skill and fresh energy. Woo and Coyne’s leadership fosters both discipline and support, ensuring that every member knows her role and contributes to the team’s overall success.

With victories in 2023 and 2025, the Red team is determined to defend its crown and continue its recent streak. Fans can expect sharp performances, high energy, and a team ready to make this year’s competition another memorable chapter in Red team history.

— Brian Kacharaba

For

SIDE HIGH SCHOOL

SOUTH SIDE HIGH

SIDE HIGH BTV!SCHOOL

SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL BLUE TEAM

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SCHOOL RED TEAM

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A History of captains