Sporting events and games at high schools are some of the most important and uniting events that take place over the course of the year. The student section plays a crucial role in bringing and demonstrating the school spirit and represents a sense of pride in the athletic community. “The student section consists of people showing up to athletic events as well as participating in the cheers and chants,” athletics commissioner Mia Rodriguez said. “We typically hand out things like shirts and candy, and encourage the students to celebrate the athletes,” she added.
The most populated student sections are usually football and basketball games, so there is no issue promoting them, Rodriguez said. However, ASB is attempting to encourage students to go to other sporting events and support the athletes, she added.
“I think it (the student section) is really important to our school because it makes sure that all students belong on this campus, and we’re raising spirit,” sophomore class president and athletics committee member Karissa Kwok said. “And honestly, it’s kind of a good practice for our big events like Homecoming and Trojan Olympics. It also brings inclusiveness to all the students because a lot of students are really there for friends, to hang out, socialize … and with them all being together,” she added.
After the pandemic, people have been less involved and the turnout has been lower in the student section, Rodriguez said.
“We have a student section, but we don’t participate like other schools. I see other schools where everyone’s completely involved,” Rodriguez said. “Everyone has spirit, and I think our school lacks that very much. I feel like there are individuals who are willing to be loud and to be happy, but I feel like the whole school overall is very introverted.”
ASB is attempting to do more fundraisers at these events to encourage people to show up and support the athletes, Kwok said.
“We are very fortunate to have the PARTI (Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact) program support us for these events. I know they’ve been helping us with coordinating these fundraisers and giving out free stuff like gift cards, which makes more people want to come,” Kwok said.
To the cheerleaders, the student section is just as important as the game, varsity cheerleading captain and senior Rhea Karanwal said. The student section creates the atmosphere, and without it, the game isn’t fun, she said.
“As cheerleaders, we can definitely tell the difference when the crowd has low energy, and that affects our experience as compared to when the student section is really packed and when people are really passionate,” Karanwal said. “Both the players and cheerleaders perform better when there’s a lot more people backing them up.”
The cheerleaders have attempted to get more students involved by making posters, introducing new cheers and dances, and throwing out t-shirts and candy, Karanwal added.
“I’m sure the players want to see people cheering for them,” Rodriguez said. I’m sure they want them to see how they perform and how they play. So, for those that don’t get a student section audience, it kind of hurts them because they have no crowd and (don’t) really feel recognized and supported.”