As students at a decently large high school, it is our responsibility to support our fellow peers. One of the ways we show our support for one another is by showing up. An example of showing up is being part of a student section at a sporting event. As a senior student at Dover High School and a member of the Crimson Crew, I have seen my fair share of positive support from our student body. We as a school take pride in showing our support in a positive, yet still competitive, manner. Student sections are vital to a stadium, field, or court. They bring in energy to the fan base such as the community, teachers, and especially the athletes participating in said events.
Student sections in particular help bring strong atmospheres into places such as the field or the court. Not only are student sections one of the main representations of the school, but they help players who are also representing the school feel supported. Although this is how I feel about the topic, I decided to ask around and interview players of various sports and genders to get their opinions on this topic as well. Senior football player Thomas Peveto had this to say about student sections at his games. “Yes, it does. Without a student section, the game would be boring, and there would be very little energy. Energy is huge in football. It makes the game. When it’s the fourth and short, the student section and crowd make all the difference. You are able to find that last little bit of fight in you.”
This is an example of the energy-giving drive. When asked about the student section, senior volleyball player Kenzie Neininger says, “Yes, it motivates us to do better. For example, being behind Phila with their 2-0 lead in sets against us was defeating. But with the help of the student section and their encouragement, we were able to come back and win against the team across the river.” Through this drive student sections give athletes, games are won, communities come together, students feel involved, and athletes feel appreciated.
