A Bet That Missed the Mark
At Lincoln High School's graduation on May 21, Superintendent Rocky Hanna, a Leon High alumnus, made good on a long‑standing wager by slipping into a Lincoln jersey after his team's 70‑0 victory over Leon.
The gesture, cheered by some but condemned by others, was the culmination of a bet between Hanna and Greg Tish, a Leon graduate and local radio host, who had promised a public display of school spirit if his side won.
Coach Ricky Bell of the Lions called the act inappropriate and divisive, arguing that graduation should honor academic achievement and serve as a unifying moment for the district.
Hanna later issued an apology, saying he did not intend to offend anyone, while emphasizing his deep affection for Leon High School and the broader community he serves.
The episode ignited a flurry of commentary on social media, with some users echoing Bell’s criticism and labeling the stunt as childish, while others defended it as a harmless, light‑hearted tribute to local rivalry.
Greg Tish, upbeat about the attention, hopes the episode encourages other community leaders to use similar wagers to boost support for high school athletics.