Over the last three years, I’ve been blessed to be able to cover many of the athletic competitions that have occurred at Westview. I’ve seen monumental wins and heart-breaking losses behind the viewfinder of a camera and the microphone of a headset.
But there has been one thing that has seemed to be uniform with every game I’ve been to: The Den’s student section. Unless the Wolverines make a big play or stop an opposing drive, is usually very quiet––effectively on mute.
The student section is one of the most important parts of athletics at the high school level: It is an intertwining of community and school spirit. The energy and support for the Wolverines could lead to a crucial missed shot or bad play by opposing teams. 
My irritation with the current state of our student section was born last year from our quietness in the clutch, those times when the amount of noise may affect the trajectory of the game.
And not much has changed.
Since the departure of our first senior class, it seems to have gotten worse––as if the student section has lost its direction.
Part of that could trickle down to leadership: Last year’s seniors didn’t just show up, they defined the energy of the night. When they graduated, it felt as if nobody has stepped forward to fill that role. With no spark or central characters to help lead the charge this year, the section drifts and forgets its purpose.
Not to say that the student section isn’t loud or intimidating at times, but I can often hear the general crowd of parents and younger kids better than I can the student section
Head Volleyball Coach Ashley Clements has seen a significant impact of the student section on a game, stating, “Last year we had a bigger student section at our volleyball games, and they would cheer for the 1st set, maybe the 2nd set, and then they would leave. This year we have a very small group, but they have stayed for the entirety of a match which has been nice!”
Mr. Freeman, Westview’s Boys’ Basketball Head Coach, shares a similar sentiment regarding the longevity of the section’s energy.
“We would love to hear the students learn basketball chants and be loud the entire game. Our players feed off the energy from the fans.”
Meanwhile, Football Head Coach Mr. Ryan praises the packed stands but emphasizes that involvement makes all the difference.
“The crowd should be as loud as possible when Westview is on defense, especially on 3rd and 4th downs,” he said. “When we’re on offense, the crowd should be quiet until we get a big play.”
He added that when the fans brought the energy in the third quarter versus Lincoln North Star on September 26, the players felt it––and fed off it.
Fixing the shell of our student section doesn’t take much, just commitment. A few students who would be willing to show up and coordinate chants, make signs, and harness the energy would do wonders for The Den. And if it means having freshmen at the front, then so be it.
As fall sports wind down and we prepare for basketball season, I will use the little amount of power that I am able to use: Show up, show out, and be loud.
