Everyone knows that in sports, the crowd is crucial to the event. At high school games, the most important part of the crowd is the student section. There is something about being cheered on by their peers that can really motivate athletes as they compete.

The student section here at East needs a big pat on the back. These students show up and show out, especially for the girls basketball team. 11th grader William (Dubya) Vickers is a very special member of the student section. He is always there to support, help start cheers, and throw the other team off their game.

“I think the student section can definitely change the outcome of the game,” Vickers said.

And that’s just what this noisy crowd of supporters does on a regular basis. In the recent Spartan Boys vs. Shady Spring game we had one of the most enthusiastic student sections all year. The Spartans lost to Shady away, but when the boys played here at home they beat the same team by seven points.

Sophomore Andrew Cleghorn said that he likes attending games because he feels like a participant. “I like close games because the back and forth is more entertaining,” he said. During halftime, too, there are many activities to keep everyone entertained and energetic, including dancers, games, or little league players.

Many non high-schoolers come to the games, for love of the sport, or to bring back memories. But there’s something special about the athletes being cheered by their peers.

“I go to games to support my fellow classmates,” junior Alyssa Morgan said, underscoring the crucial role the student section plays in championing East’s teams.