Senior Henry Elmore waves the Bexley Lion flag as student section leaders and crowd cheer loudly after a touchdown.
On football Friday nights, it’s not only the athletes who take the field–it’s the entire school. From the audible chants of the student section to the sight of familiar faces in the stands, the spirit throughout the high school is more than just tradition; it can also be an important factor of the football team’s confidence.
Senior football captain Alex Smith said the student section’s support is impactful to the overall game performance because the encouragement from a large crowd of friends and classmates in the stands feels more personal and inspiring.
Assistant Head Coach Jon Robertson said he is appreciative of the crazy energy produced in the student section because it leaves the players on the field wanting more.
“I truly, truly believe that when there’s a loud, crazy, screaming student section, it absolutely inspires and fires up the players on the field,” he explained.
Senior student section leader Kendal Johnson explained no matter the event, a full student section amplifies the atmosphere of whatever is going on.
Junior football player Jackson Frey said it is encouraging when the student section stays for the whole game, because it keeps the energy up on the field and improves their execution for the entirety of the game.
“Especially when we’re tired, it makes us want to keep playing hard and not give up when there’s still a full crowd in the fourth quarter,” he added.
A packed crowd is valued by all of the players, and it truly reflects on how they play, Robertson said.
“We want them to know that their support means a lot to us, and we play better when we feel supported,” he explained. “They help us win, and that’s the truth.”
Johnson said she hopes to have more pep rallies in the future. They do a great job of getting the student body involved in sports events and helping players get fired up to win, she added.
Robertson agreed that pep rallies are vital to building excitement for home games.
“It’s kind of hard to get excited if no one makes a big deal about the game,” he said.
Smith explained that Head Coach Mike Kerr has greatly impacted the family morale of Bexley Football, with his motto being “Family, Grit, Win.”
Robertson compared a home football game atmosphere at Bexley to a family dinner, further explaining the family connection Kerr has helped to build between the team and the rest of the student body.
“You play for yourself obviously, but it’s a tight knit community we have, and we play for our family,” Robertson said. “Family is everyone.”
Smith said that as the program is growing, it has become more of a culture. That growth aspect directly translates to the amount of people in attendance at games, and a higher spirit level coming from the fans, he added.
It is awesome to have the student body full of school spirit, supporting the team no matter what, Smith said.
“When you have people that are there for you, to cheer you on, it brings you clarity,” he added. “It really is all about the people you are doing this for.”
Robertson said a full, spirited student section certainly paves the way to a winning culture for a high school football team.
As a freshman on Varsity Frey felt very comfortable and supported on the field, because he knew the student section had his back no matter what, he said.
Smith explained that nothing can match the motivation the team feels from a spirited school rooting for their football team.
“When we see a bunch of students out there cheering for us, it gives us all an extra reason to go harder, work harder, and try to win,” he added.
Johnson said she can always feel a difference between a game where there is a full student section and where there isn’t.
“Win or lose, we should be there to help our players win no matter what,” she added.