Marina Peterson

Springfield High School holds a solid reputation for having one of the best student sections. The passion we have for our school and sports shows through spirit and volume within the student body. For those within the student section, and for those being cheered for is an unmatched experience. Although it makes us wonder, does the student section have an effect on our football team? The way they play? Their attitudes on the field? Being a part of the student section is an unmatched experience, and students Ava Unverzagt (Senior) and Canon Stearns (Senior) agree. “Every single year in the student section I gave it my all. There’s something about screaming till your voice gives out and then some that just feels so riveting, especially when everyone around you is doing the same thing. This year I’m finally helping lead the student section and I’m having the time of my life.” Canon Stears is one of the seniors helping lead the student section, directing the underclassmen with cheers and helping keep our spirits high. Some other seniors are Ava Unverzagt, Anthony Peralta, Teddy Thornberry, Ethan Sommers, Sarah Becker, Maya Goswami, Kai Brudnack, and Samuel Yoder. Our cheers and spirit play an important role in helping the team stay motivated. Nolan Kulavic and Jericho Burns are seniors on the football team here at Springfield and have been playing for all four years, they agree the team plays better with the student section there. Being without a crowd last year was weird as players were used to having packed stands, and missed out on the “game day” experience. Although it was nice in a way being able to get plays out clearly and quickly, it just wasn’t the same. Having a crowd is a good motivator, and they appreciate playing the game knowing that there are hundreds of people cheering from the stands. “Let em know we love the support too,” says Nolan. Ava Unverzagt has been on student council for all four years and has always been really involved in the student section. Sol-ons or the Victory cheer are her top favorites to chant, but admits some newer cheers would help improve the team’s motivation. Drew Osowski (Senior) sees the student section as a motivator as well, but notes when the cheers should be happening. If we are playing our 3rd down on defense, having a loud crowd can distract and mess up the offence, giving us an advantage. The student section should put their focus on cheering while on defense in order to distract the other team. Much like Canon’s unmatched experience of being in the student section, Drew’s favorite part is coming off the field after a touchdown, hearing the crowd get louder as he gets closer to the stands.