When David Pisoni, sophomore, hits the stage on Nov. 2 as part of Mr. Mustang, the annual all-male competition, a judging category will be missing – the boxer dance.

In replacement of the boxer dance, the boys will have the opportunity to participate in a jean shorts dance.

Pisoni, Mr. Choir,  said the changes made to the dance doesn’t personally affect him.

“When they did the boxer dance, they had to wear underwear under the boxers anyway,” Pisoni said. “I don’t see a huge difference in it and I’m not too bothered by the changes.”

Pisoni said he thought of the boxer dance as a tradition, but he’s fine with the changes if it’s what the school has to do. He said some of the older students may be less fond of the changes because they’ve witnessed the dance for a longer time.

“I think it’ll still be a tradition as long as we keep some sort of slightly revealing dance in the process,” Pisoni said. “I don’t think it’ll matter too much because soon people won’t even remember the boxer dance existed.”

Lynn Richardson, Mr. Mustang sponsor, said that in addition to the boxer dance, the entrance of contestants will no longer be judged. Instead, participants will be judged on a clean pickup line relevant to the organization they represent.

The idea for the pickup line was inspired by Eureka High School, which has been hosting Mr. EHS for 21 years.

“It might require more creativity, but the guys seem really into it,” Richardson said. “I’ve heard them, and they’re really good.”

In regards to changing the boxer dance, Richardson she said she hopes to make the event more enjoyable for the boys participating in the event.

“I think for some boys it will make them more comfortable in not having to dance in their boxers,” Richardson said. “They get to decide the length and the type of jeans and what’s comfortable to them when it comes to the jean shorts.”

When Richardson brought up the changes to Principal Dr. Greg Mathison he agreed with Richardson and they made the changes together.

Dr. Mathison said there are many ways the boxer dance could put competitors in a precarious position. So far, Dr. Mathison said the changes have been met with positive feedback.

“It’s not necessarily something we want to promote, but it’s been a tradition for a long time and it’s hard sometimes to break tradition,” Dr. Mathison said.

Dr. Mathison said Mr. Mustang has been a tradition for the school for a long time. He said the event is an exciting opportunity for kids to laugh, relax and just be silly.

“We’re a pretty academically driven school, so this is a night where people can enjoy a less serious evening because the show is mainly comedy,” Dr. Mathison said. “The importance is just the opportunity to laugh and come together and to have fun.”