The nerves before the game rise as students cheer for another Mountie win. Students are fully decked out while being on theme. Spectators covered in blue fill the bleachers as family, friends, and the school community set the tone with their nonstop energy.
The student section is a vital part of any Rogers High School football game. When fall comes, Whitey Stadium attracts the crowds, with the student section being directly adjacent to the RHS band.
“I think when the student section is more involved and they’re having fun that it affects our cheering – it helps us smile more,” said cheerleader Katelyn Corbitt, 11.
However, it is not all about cheering, it’s also about creating community and producing an enthusiastic environment for the sport, along with encouraging the players on the field.
¨It helps give the student athletes a little bit more energy, but they also like to show their peers how hard they worked and get ready for the game,” said Zac Land, broadcast teacher.
Our football players put in the work daily, whether that be physically or mentally, to be ready to show their talent Friday night. Each athlete is affected by the student section and the school spirit they bring.
One junior football player values the practices during the week so that the team can perform at the games, said Eric Lopez.
“The student section, it really boosts up my morale,” Lopez said.
The team’s audience, the Mountie band, brings the energy and hypes up the students section.
“I think the band has a huge part in the student section because not only do we get to see friends, we also promote coming to the games. Band hypes up the entire game along with cheer but since we are so much closer to the student section, it creates the same effect of a party. The only difference is, we provide the music,” said Lillie Davenport, 10.
Likewise, the student section supports the band with its energy and continuous Mountie spirit.
“Students hype us up, dance with us, and join our chants,” Davenport said.
Every person in the stadium has an experience that is different from the person next to them. In the end we all have the same goal, a Mountie win. After every touchdown the crowd erupts in cheer and everyone comes together as a community.
“Everyone wants to be a part of the student section. Everyone’s cheering together, makes a fun way to spend Friday nights with friends,” Julian Reyes, 11.
