Vuvuzelas, flags, pots and pans, and energy, it is all part of their arsenal. Their one mission: get the crowd hyped.
The WS Hype Squad is a group of energetic seniors who attend Spartan sports games toting face paint, noise makers, and a lot of schools spirit. They lead the student section in chants and try to get the crowd involved in the game.
“We root for whoever is playing. Volleyball, Football, Field Hockey,” said senior Matt Meinhoffer.
It takes a lot to get ready for a game. One cannot just come to the game ready to go. The Hype Squad usually gets started an hour before the game to tail gate and body paint.
“We start getting everyone ready and hyped before the game,” said senior Scott Berger.
Once at the game, the Hype Squad employs various hype techniques to get the crowd excited. This is where their work begins.
“We use conchs, drums, anything that makes noise,” said Berger.
Though it may seem like pointless noise, it’s not. Crowd noises can have a real impact on games. Players feed off the energy of the crowd which could be the extra push to get the W in crunch time. The impact was already felt this year in a football game against the Lee High school Lancers that went to overtime.
“When we made the field goal to force overtime, the crowd went nuts… that really carried us through overtime,” said head football coach Jason Eldredge.
Eldredge believes the hype squad can really impact games and hopes that they continue their support into the basketball season.
“I hope to see them in the winter. I really appreciate what they do,” said Eldredge.
Not only does the hype squad help WS sports, it is a way for the student section to have some fun and come together. Spartans can bond over school spirits and sports to create a more unified community.
“It brings the community together around one thing” said Meinhofer
The community and students can really get behind sports which build unity and identity to the school. Being on the Hype Squad also comes with some fame and notoriety, especially for Berger.
“People know you as the guy who rubs his nipples at the games now,” said Berger.