When watching high school sports, it is always fun to see the student section show up in themes to cheer on the team. With access to social media, it is easy to keep tabs on other schools and how they display their school spirit. When one school has an over-the-top pep rally complete with confetti cannons and a professional photographer, it’s easy to become motivated to do more for the team. However, there are boundaries when showing support on what is fun and what just crosses the line. It begs the questions: what is harmless, good-natured fun, and when is it too much school spirit?

     In past years, the student section poured into the stands with attendance, but the spirit didn’t quite match. “The student section is led by seniors, but when they are shy about showing pride, everyone follows. It’s a ripple effect,” said Cade Madren, senior. But with the new stadium comes more room for people and even opportunities. “I think the student section needs to come up with new ideas. They have been doing the same things since 1949. We need more cheers and different ways to show support,” said Greg Semler, principal. Elements that aren’t allowed are baby powder, confetti, and certain cheers that involve the other team or the old mascot. Last year, baby powder was used during a white out football game, and some of the powder migrated out of the student section, upsetting some adult spectators. Many suggest that the district make a list or guidelines on what can and cannot be done. One thing that is not encouraged by staff is cheering for or against the other team. At one of the football games, students got up and left the game after halftime due to the Wolves being down. This can lead to players getting discouraged and thinking they no longer have support. “The student section being at volleyball games hypes us up when the energy is low. It also makes us laugh when we need it. It’s nice feeling all the support,” said Chloe Pilcher, senior. A disengaged student section can definitely impact what happens on the court or field.

     Even with some limiting factors, fans always show out for the State tournaments. “My favorite thing is going to State games. Seeing most of our school show out to watch is pretty eye opening,” said Madren. However, some may argue it seems a bit disingenuous for students to opt out of the weekly activities and only show up when the team has made it to the big event.

     Every sporting event has a theme and most of them are all voted on by students. The student section keeps up with announcements through RED Nation on Twitter/X, which is led by anonymous seniors who usually aren’t so anonymous based on their participation in riling up the fans. Students have a voice in what the event will look like even if they don’t get every single wish on their list.

      So whether it’s red out or hick out, having an appropriate and supportive student section helps keep the spirit alive during a game and shows how the high school represents. With continued successful teams and a brand new stadium, there is a lot to celebrate. So go with the flow because the memories from this time will be as fun as one makes them.