From the most complicated way like cheerleaders dancing to drum beats or canned music to the simplest one like students shouting and cheering their school pride. School Spirit is not just about how the audience or the supporters boost the team, but it is about how both of them work together in their own ways to grasp the aimed victory in any game event. We got a chance to interview a former member of the UPIS Track and Field team, which are in their current 3-peat championship, Kevin Rodgers, on how the crowd, fans, and supporters’ cheer helped him and his team sprint their way to the finish line first.
“It is an advantage that there are people who cheer for you, because it boosts the morale.” Says Kevin on what is the advantage of the crowd’s presence in their competitions. On the other hands, he says that it is also a disadvantage since they get anxious because of the expectations of the crowd. “You have to please them, so it's kind of a big pressure especially in really big games.” Kevin exclaims.
After shortly discussing the advantage and disadvantage of cheering crowds we talked about his opinion on how he feel towards other game events which are very much supported by students even though they don’t actually much, like basketball. He told us that he is happy indeed that the crowd totally supports the University’s athletes. “The problem is that the teams which usually win were the ones who lack support.” He says with a little disappointment in his face. He easily changed his mood then adds that he’s happy though, that he could see the enthusiasm of the supporters with the sport. There are 3 types of people who cheers in a game. Primary is the pep squad. Second are the person whom the player know, they could be a family member, friend, classmate, etc. And Lastly, the enthusiasts.
As we go deeper in our conversation, I asked him of what other form or way of support could someone give to them. “Equipment”. As we all know, UP lacks sports equipment and has poor facilities for the sports programs. Kevin believes that through this kind of support, it will help them, the varsities, to improve more. He cited some of the facilities and equipment around the University which he believes need this kind of support. “The untidy pool, it is where our champion swimmers train once to twice a day. I know they got used to it, but still, it should be well managed to prevent them from sickness.” He explains his concerns on this since he, as an athlete, values their health and wellness very much. Before we ended our interview with him we asked if he know their supporters, or fans very well. “We don’t know all of them unless we invited them over or when we have mutual friends.”
At the end of the day, school spirit shown in sports is not just about the excellence of the players but it is also about how the athletes, as the representatives, join hand-in-hand with the study body, fans, family and friends to unleash the hidden strength of the true school spirit.
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