West Albany High School students tend to dress up according to a theme at some games, and it can influence the game itself. Many players and coaches have noticed an impact when people participate.
Freshman football coach Brian Barker said, “Any kind of support is huge…people are being loud, you know, it always affects them in a positive way. I think it does great for student involvement.” This shows the importance of community participation for young athletes at the beginning of their sports careers.
Barker said, “No matter what, it’s called home-field advantage for a reason, whether it is the band or the kids getting hyped.” This represents the difference between home and away games in terms of people’s involvement.
Freshman football player Sammy Munoz said, “When the crowds like to dress up and participate, I feel like we play a lot better.” Adding that, “[We] wanna play because we feel like we’re supported out there in the crowd.” As student attendance increases at games, along with dressing on theme and vocalizing support, players feel more motivated and confident in the games.
There are other ways to show support, like when Varsity football coach Brian Mehl said, “I think what they wear doesn’t matter as much, but when they use their voice and energy it impacts the play.” Vocal enthusiasm can sometimes outweigh the visual encouragement from dressing up on theme, reinforcing the idea that an engaged crowd can greatly affect the dynamics of the game.
“I think that the band definitely creates a lot of energy and I think the volume from the student body [does too],” Mehl adds.
Senior Varsity football player Trent Krzoska said, “When people are dressing up, well, it is like the home atmosphere.” When players feel encouragement from their classmates and friends, they significantly contribute to creating an energetic and home-like atmosphere during games, which helps the team progress.
Krzoska adds, “[at away games] It’s just harder because everyone’s obviously cheering against you.”
