Although there may be a few moments of peace during a stressful week of school, nothing beats that sigh of relief when the bell rings at 2:50 on Friday.

Before a Friday night football game even kicks off, the cheer and dance teams and the marching band have been working hard to add to the atmosphere. 

“We hype everyone up because we’re only in high school for four years,” junior and dance team member Brynn Humm said. “We might as well just have fun.” 

While in-game performances may seem inconsequential to a game’s outcome, dancers and cheerleaders spend hours perfecting their routines. 

“Students don’t realize the amount of practice cheer takes,” senior and varsity cheerleader Gabriella Monteleone said. “It takes a lot of physical work. You have to use a lot of muscles you don’t usually use along with making it look effortless.”

During halftime, the marching band, the cheerleaders and the dance team perform routines with choreography that they have been practicing. After an action-packed first half, the band hopes to keep the energy flowing.

“When we march out to the field and have some of our traditions that we do to help make the gameday atmosphere better for everyone, I think it is an important part of it,” assistant band director Brock Feece said. 

While the football game and its players are the most important part of the game itself, the cheerleaders, dancers and band members deserve recognition too.

“No one knows the amount of sweat, effort and tears that go into a routine,” Monteleone said. 

As students on the sidelines work hard to support the team and hype up the crowd, the student section isn’t always giving that energy back.

“I would love to improve the gameday atmosphere here,” Feece said. “I’d like to work together to make it more exciting for fans and for players.”