Football season has begun, Bruins! That means student sections are back. Going into this new school year, it’s important to establish Barlow’s student section atmosphere. A good student section not only hypes up our players, but also creates lasting memories for the students.
“I’d say so far, we’re doing really, really good,” says Karson Brooks, Barlow’s Spirit Commissioner. Brooks is in charge of leading the student section cheers and attending athletic events. She’s also on the volleyball team, and says it’s encouraging to see the crowd step it up when she’s absent. “It’s nice to know even when I’m not there, my peers can take over and be hype!”
Even though the student sections are enthusiastic, Brooks says Barlow has room to grow. She notes Barlow’s attendance could be higher, and she wants students to show up fully committed to the theme. “I think in the ideal student section, everyone is dressed up head-to-toe—like in pink if it’s pink out—with paint on their faces, with extra hats or glasses or anything.”
To help reach this vision of the perfect student section, Brooks works alongside Superfans. Similarly, Superfans lead cheers and help energize the crowd.
Superfan Kate Laughton describes the importance of excited students. “Being loud and showing that you are proud of your players motivates them and shows others how Barlow gets down.”
Beyond encouraging our players, an enthusiastic student section creates lasting memories. Laughton reminisces about a particularly special game. “My junior year, minion out, was one of my favorite student sections because I remember the student section was huge, but we were down quite a bit. Towards the end, me and the other Superfans took hilarious pictures, and I really bonded with a lot of people that night. The game score didn’t impact how the student section acted, and that was so fun.”
From that night to countless others, Laughton says the crowd itself is what keeps things exciting. “Student sections are always different and that’s why they’re so special,” Laughton says. “Sometimes it’s people yelling for their favorite player, screaming the chants, or planning on what to do after. There is always something new going on and they’re never boring!”
While student sections are undoubtedly fun, organization is important. The student sections have basic rules that spectators must abide by, including where to stand. Brooks describes a recent change she’s made to the structure of the crowds.
“Seniors in the front, most spirited behind,” says Brooks. “Before, it was seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen, but this way, I think we’ll have a more enthusiastic student section.”
In addition to respecting seniority, students are expected to follow the given theme—and are encouraged to go all out!
“Everyone should go over the top,” says Brooks. “You should wear crazy hats, capes, everything! It’s really fun, and it’s really important to show support for your team.”
Brooks also encourages everyone to go outside their comfort zone. “I want new students to know, it’s fun. It’s really fun. Don’t be shy, because it’s more fun if you’re more outgoing,” Brooks says. “Get into the game.”
If you haven’t experienced a student section yet, now is the time! Show up and support your school. Visit the @wearebarlow Instagram account for weekly dress-up themes and bring a friend. Together, we can make Barlow’s student sections the biggest, loudest, and most memorable crowds in the state.
Like Brooks says: “Go, Bruins!”
