Student Section: Positive or Negative?

October 9, 2009  
Filed under Sports

“This year’s student section is not as good as it has been in years past. The seniors are the only ones who cheer. Juniors through freshmen need to be more enthusiastic. Even though the football team hasn’t won in four years, they still need support,” Kristyn Watts, senior and basketball player, said.

Many people have their own opinion on what the student section stands for here at Ottawa High School. The student section is generally only present at football and basketball games. But what does the student section represent? The reason students attend the games may vary. Some pep club members believe the students section is there for a good purpose.

“I think the football team shows a lot of character to be able to go out on that field and still play after losing for three and half straight seasons. It is the student section’s responsibility to support them when they need it the most,” Molly Rugg, senior and soccer player, said.

Some members feel differently.

“I think it takes guts for us to go out and cheer for the football team,” Brock Chartier, freshman, soccer player, and hopeful baseball player, said.

Many of the athletes feel differently about the subject as well. Some enjoy having the student section present.

“It makes me feel pumped and excited! They really get into the game,” Ryan Maxwell, sophomore football and basketball player, said.

Others get irritated by them.

“I don’t like paying attention to them. I think they’re obnoxious and only there to have something to do,” Jake Diel, senior football player, said.

While some students believe there is definitely room for improvement in the student section some focus more on the negatives of the student section, as opposed to noticing the positives.

“I’m in the band and we can’t ever hear the student section from where I sit. We are louder than them,” Cale Paquette, freshman and soccer player, said.

S.A.Y. W.H.A.T was created to expand the student section and give students the push toward school pride that they need.

“I think the whole S.A.Y. W.H.A.T. concept is promoting more unity between the classes this year than any other year I’ve been here. We can do so much better though,” Jacque Sullivan, junior, said.

Even the coaches feel strongly about the student section as a controversial topic.

“I think sometimes the student section cares more about what obnoxious and crazy things they can do during a game instead of actually cheering for the team,” former football and current basketball coach, Blake Lasely said. “Students need to support all sports on and off the field.”

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Abby New

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