For most high school students attending the Friday football games, standing in the student section and experiencing the school spirit that radiates from the crowd is always a highlight. For Lex Wilson, ‘25 who’s been on varsity since sophomore year, thinks the student section is an important part of his football experience even though he isn’t in it.
“It’s really cool seeing all of my classmates up in the student section cheering,” Wilson said. “I always play better when there’s that kind of energy behind me, it adds a lot and just makes it more fun.”
Being captain of the football team means being a part of the game and witnessing the action firsthand on the field. However, being in the student section is something Wilson misses out on, but his love for the sport makes up for it.
“One thing I’ve always wanted to do in my high school career was be in the student section,” Wilson said. “I feel like I’ve kinda missed out on that part of my high school experience but I definitely feel like it’s worth it because I get to play football.”
Other students not in the student section, such as band, have their own private section as an extension of the student section. Flute player, Eva Wiezorek ‘26, feels that both the band and student section share that same close community feeling.
“We’re kind of in our own student section and that makes it feel special especially since we’re doing something together like playing music for the students and the football team,” Weizorek said. “It just feels nice to be a part of something like that.”
Regardless of being in the student section or not, for some like saxophone player Caleb Thomas ‘27, being in the band section, contributing to the school spirit and the overall atmosphere of the game, outshines everything he misses out on.
“The band brings a lot of energy so it gives people a window to be loud and invites people to yell which brings the spirit,” Thomas said.
Other students find that not being in the student section has its advantages. For varsity cheerleader Mia Fillmore ‘25, cheering for the players on the sidelines grants her access to be up close to the game. Not only does she get to participate in the sport she loves, but she also witnesses some first-hand action on the field.
“I love football so watching from the sidelines and being so close to the game makes it so easy to stay up to score with the game,” Fillmore said.
Whether it be watching the game from the stands or on the field itself, football Fridays are something that everyone looks forward to. For those not in the student section, like the football players, cheerleaders and band members, it doesn’t stop them from having fun and helping to make the football Fridays what we all know and love.
“I love the excitement and buzz everyone in the student section has and people in the stands are really excited to be there.” Wilson said.
