Friday Night Firsts

For players, students, and fans, fall Fridays are reserved for football. But the action between the sidelines isn’t the only thing going on.

The Tiger football team kicked off the year with their season opener on August 26 with a home game against the Scottsbluff Bearcats. The team fell 7-22, but the score does not account for the fun had by participants and spectators alike.

At Hastings High, there is always a way to be involved in the Friday festivities. Tiger Ambush, a group of school spirit organizers, met earlier in the week to discuss fall themes and talk about increasing numbers for all activities. The theme for the game was “black out” and students did not disappoint and went all out.

“We have tried to make easy themes so that everyone can participate in the student section,” senior member Morgan Long said.

Long also appreciates the attendance at the first game.

“I love how when there is a game on a Friday there’s usually no question on what people are doing that night because most people come out and supported,” Long said.

To lead the student section and the rest of the fans, the cheerleaders worked hard all night long to keep spirits high. In the process, they often manage to enjoy themselves as well.

“My favorite part about cheering is definitely seeing the crowd get hyped. I absolutely love seeing the expression on someone’s face when we score a touchdown and it’s really awesome to feel like a big part of that voice,” senior Miranda Niemeyer said.

Both the Tigerettes and the cheerleaders performed at halftime in addition to a pep rally held during the school day for students.

“When people are cheering for you after your name is announced over the speaker is my overall favorite part,” sophomore Lyndie Eddleman said.

The band has been busy at work preparing their field show, but for Friday’s pep rally and game, they performed their pep band set. The student section sings along as they play filling the stadium with energy.

“My favorite thing about playing pep band for the football games is that the band gets all of the people and athletes pumped up and excited for the game,” sophomore alto saxophone player Shayna Carson said.

The players on the field feed off the energy of the environment and the excitement of the fans.

“Although we may not win every time, having people cheer us on as we make a great play or score a touchdown is what makes the experience so much more enjoyable,” senior Alex Schrock said.

Between the students in the stands, on the sidelines, in the band, or on the field, a lot of students came out to support the team and celebrate the start of an exciting fall sports season.

“ I love the fact that we can have so much school spirit and all come together to watch and support our team with tiger pride,” Carson said.