Whether it is a professional, college or high school game, if the fans are loud enough it will in many cases affect an athlete’s performance. The student section, in particular, has an intensity that emits to the participants.
One way the students stay unified at Hastings High is by using themes to show support. A group at the school, Tiger Ambush, decides the themes. Senior Murphy Glen says the themes can be helpful for representation.
“A theme shows other schools and parents our school spirit. It can appear intimidating or inspiring to athletes,” Glen said.
Kamri Adler agrees by stating that other student sections are something athletes have to get used to.
“When going to other schools and their whole student section is all dressed up and yelling at the away teams it is very intimidating. Having to block out a student section yelling at you as you are playing is very difficult and is something we have had to learn to deal with,” Adler said.
Cheerleaders get inspired too when the student section is full of spirit. Sophomore Beatriz Ramirez enjoys her position of getting the students into the cheers.
“I personally, as a cheerleader, love when the students are involved because it gives energy to the players,” Ramirez said.
Cheerleaders and student sections are not always there, though. Many sports do not have as many people attend their events, this does not seem to affect their performances, however. Glen has been involved in largely attended and quieter games.
“Crowds tend to be larger at events such as volleyball, basketball, and football, all of which I’ve performed at as a Tigerette. Crowds are much smaller at tennis events and while participating in these events I find other sources of excitement and support,” Glen said.
Small teams have winning scores without a surplus of students to watch. However, Adler and Ramirez believe it is a great motivator for athletes.
“You always want to help fight the Tigers on to victory. Letting the teams know that we are there to support them,” Adler said.
“It matters so that every player feels appreciated and does their best while in the game,” Ramirez said.
Whether the outcome of a game has anything to do with the student section has not been conclusive,yet many find a spirited student section encouraging.
“The student section has a major effect on players in my opinion. When they are loud and proud about their teams that they are cheering for, they keep the team pumped up and ready to show people what they are made of,” Adler said.
“I think that the players feed off of the students and parents. They like to know that the students are enjoying the game and appreciate their effort,” Ramirez said.
Both Adler and Ramirez are in agreement. It can be exciting to have a tremendous amount of support, especially from your fellow students. As said before it is not proven that there is a direct association between the loudness of the crowd and an undefeated season, but it is different for everyone.
“In my experience as an athlete, I have found myself performing at a higher level in front of crowds that are bigger and therefore louder. I have noticed that I tend to perform well under pressure and the adrenaline really kicks in when I’m in front of a large crowd,” Glen said.
