“Seniors in the front, freshmen in the back!” Is one of the most common rules heard within the West student section. Whether you’re attending a football, volleyball, or basketball game you’re bound to see spirited West students gathering together to cheer our student athletes on. The student section gathers in designated spots on the bleachers to do specific cheers depending on what is happening in the game.
The student section follows specific rules during the game, these rules being enforced mostly by seniors. Senior students are at the front of the section, then in descending order of grades the other students go behind them. Another important rule enforced by the students is to “Be Loud!” It’s not uncommon for underclassmen to be encouraged to either be loud or leave the student section.
One of the best parts of the student section is the themes. For every game, home and away, the student section has specific themes for people to dress as. Students will often dress up and even paint their faces to show school spirit. Senior Sophie Wiklund attends a lot of athletic events, taking part in the student section. One of her favorite parts is getting ready for the game. “I like to make sure I have clothes that match the theme, and getting my face painted during the game,” said Wiklund.
Though when asked if she had a favorite theme, one specific theme stood out to Wiklund. “Probably the white out theme, because we get to throw baby powder up at the start of the game,” said Wiklund, throwing up baby powder being a common occurrence for student sections during white outs.
Senior Colin Scott- Dowell attended a few football games last year and plans to come to more this year, the themes being a big part in his attendance. “My favorite theme last year was Barbie… I thought it was cool that people could dress up as actual characters,” said Scott- Dowell. Students will typically go all out when dressing to theme, some even awarded ‘Best Dressed’ on our student sections X Account.
Although the student section isn’t just for the students attending the game, at its core the true purpose of the student section is to support our athletes. “I think the student section really helps our team, just because you know you have people cheering for you,” said Scott- Dowell.
Even the athletes of the school agree, senior Ellie Holdorf plays both varsity basketball and volleyball for West. She believes the student section does help her when she plays. “I think it’s cool when they actually get into the game and cheer, it helps with momentum in games,” said Holdorf. Though even when she isn’t playing she enjoys being part of the student section. “My favorite student section memory is when Rachel and I got to run the DW flags down the track after a touchdown wearing Barbie Box Costumes,” said Holdorf.
It’s without a doubt that the student section is a wonderful way to enjoy watching games, while also supporting our athletes.
