Whitmer English Department student teacher Ms. Jessica Cook, #34 and starting senior forward for the University of Toledo lady Rockets basketball team, will be playing her last home game at Savage Arena this Saturday, March 1st at 2:00pm.

Ms. Cook began the methods portion of her student internship here at Whitmer this past fall and has now officially taken over a full semester 2 teaching load in Mr. Worstell’s English 11 courses. Cook has balanced her senior year as an education major and teaching-intern while leading the Rockets as a starter and prominent force on the blocks and high post. Balancing weekly travel, daily practices, and games as a division 1 student-athlete in the Mid-American conference while balancing the rigor of a high school educator is not for the weak or weary.

After a back and forth fight for the win Wednesday night, #3 Toledo topped #2 Buffalo  in a 71-68 victory at Savage Arena. This morning, Ms. Cook was focused and ready to bring The Great Gatsby to life for her 1st period juniors.

Toledo finishes its regular-season home schedule on Saturday, March 1 against Central Michigan where Toledo will honor five women’s basketball seniors after the game for Senior Day.

While Ms. Cook is a from New York and close to 7 hours from home, Panther Nation has a chance to support and make her feel like she is a Toledo native.

Cook plays her last Savage Arena game alongside teammate and Northwest Ohio standout starting guard #33 Sammi Mikonowitcz. Mikonowitcz is a Rossford Lady Bulldogs basketball program alum and RHS has special ticket sales for this Saturday’ game that will benefit their program.  Tickets can be purchased HERE to support the Bulldogs as an added bonus, or at the Savage Arena box office.

The game airs on ESPN+, WCWA 1230 AM and The Varsity Network app.