Beaming neon yellow and orange construction vests fill the stands while fans bang on the stadium bleachers, the student section full of spirit as the football team plays against longtime rival Saint James Academy.
The game against St. James Academy follows the traditional construction theme referencing the school’s nonexistent stadium. According to senior Finnigan Madden, recurrent themes from throughout the years increase spirit in the student section.
“The themes allow me to associate myself with the spirit I have always loved showing during games,” Madden said. “Being a senior gives me so many more opportunities to show spirit in the student section and lead others as well.”
Madden said that the themes are key to attracting students to games and inspiring students to live up to the enthusiasm that the football team needs by expressing themselves through what they wear.
“The themes always bring the students together,” Madden said. “It’s always something fun to be a part of, and people get so creative with it which makes it better.”
Throughout the course of this year, the team hosted four home games. As one of the biggest rivalry games of the season, the ‘Doll House’, as the stadium is referred to by students, hosted Rockhurst with the theme Red, White and “Beat” Rock. Senior Lauren Lopez said she was especially excited for this particular game.
“My favorite theme is the USA, everyone is participating this year. If they come they are always in theme,” Lopez said. “I also help paint the boys’ chests, which always looks super good.”
Themes for the year involving the student section include Blackout, Red White and Beat Rock, Hawaiian, Western Out, Pink Out and team jerseys. According to junior player Devyn Davis, this excitement around the themes means a lot to the players and the livelihood of students.
“I think that themes add a lot to the game and environment,” Davis said. “We are very much a team that needs energy to play, so with the spirit of everybody in the student section, it helps us perform better, which means a lot to our team and school.”
