Sports are a great way to show school spirit, whether you are playing in the game, eagerly waiting on the bench, or cheering in the stands.
“School pride and the want to win is the best way to show school spirit while actively participating and playing in the game,” said freshman Tate Williams. If a player acts like the sport is an unwanted chore, then the school spirit cannot be spread throughout the gym to energize the play, therefore creating an undesirable atmosphere with limited school spirit; the energy has to start from the court. Afterwards, the bench has to increase the zeal and enthusiasm for each play, intriguing the spectators and encouraging them to cheer as well.
There is a spectrum of how energy and spirit on the bench can affect a game which are directly correlated to each other. As observed throughout many sports games, the more cheering that is present in the gym from the spectators, the more energized the players are which leads to more points, more spectacular plays, and every player trying their best to win the game with more passion than without spectator engagement. The stands and student section is the best place to display school spirit. One of the best ways is simply showing up.
“Having everyone at the games increases the performance of players during the game,” said freshman Isaiah Moolan.
“Going to the Friday night games was the thing to do!” said Mr. Joseph Witek. Although there are not any football games left this school year, there are several other sports to watch, such as boys and girls basketball, dance, wrestling, bowling and hockey.
“Themed nights [can also] create buy-in to the school spirit in sports,” Mr. Witek said. Many students agree that a theme is a fun and engaging way to get people excited about the games. Even though the themes are not as often as they were during the fall sports season, get a group together and spread the word about a theme you want to be involved in.
Many students struggle with balancing the workload of school with social events, but it is an excellent opportunity to express school spirit without a mandatory commitment time. Attend as many games as possible to ensure that the players who have been working hard all season receive recognition and energy from the crowd. Dress in a theme, buy something at the concession stand and root for players to spread enthusiasm about the sport and increase school spirit throughout the gym and school environment.