Last Friday at the East vs. Romeoville game, East’s student section was almost completely abandoned by halftime. Groups of students headed out early, most on their way to Raising Cane’s, a popular post-game spot for many. But why has leaving to get food become more popular on a Friday night than the actual football game?
Although it’s common for many to leave the game early, East students do care about the team and their school, which is one of the many reasons why the Friday night event starts with an active tailgate and a packed student section.
However, after just the first half, students begin to feel more attracted to the idea of hanging out and eating food with friends than standing in the swarm of people to partially watch and enjoy the football game.
Avaya Turner, a junior at East, attends all the games that she is able to. She arrives with her friends and like most, ends up leaving early despite her enjoyment of watching the event.
“I’ll usually leave the game early to get to Cane’s right before everyone else does because if you don’t leave early then it ends up getting too packed,” Turner said.
This has raised questions for the Wolf pack leaders, which are seniors in charge of the student section. They make banners and posters, orchestrate chants, set up and clean up for all the games. Natalie Kohl, one of the four wolfpack leaders, wonders how she can bring more extended energy to the games.
“I really think that we should show school spirit throughout the whole game, it hurts to see people leave, especially with all the work we put in to make it a fun event and I just hope we find a way to encourage students to stay longer to show up for our football team,” Kohl said.
The majority of East students care about keeping school spirit traditions alive and in order to continue creating community in the school, staying to support the football team is a great way to do so.
Written by senior Ashley Gumm. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.