Whether standing on the turf after an intense game or standing on a nine-panel mat after a memorable performance, there comes a time as an athlete when it is important to look up into the stands to see the rush of support. More specifically, the countless amounts of family, friends and loved ones who show up to give their encouragement.

Although the schedules get busy, Dawn Volkmar makes a constant effort to appear at every game, meet or match to support her five children. Season after season, Volkmar realizes the importance of showing up to cheer for not only her own children but the rest of the team as well.

“We feel that it is important to be supportive to our kids as well as the whole team,” Volkmar said. “Sometimes we are the only ones that are able to go, so it is good to have someone in the stands cheering for you. I think it makes my kids feel better and it is always good to have someone there for the wins and the losses- and to bring some treats.” 

Undoubtedly, having fans in the stands makes for an electrifying and thrilling experience, no matter the sport. Antioch Community High School Principal Michael Berrie also understands the significance of support after participating in multiple high school sports himself.

“Having played high school sports myself, I know you always play a little bit better when the crowd is there,” Berrie said. “I think it’s important [to] get as many students and staff and members from the community there; you can always feel electricity in the air.”

Besides the support from loved ones, another intriguing way that ACHS offers support to various sports teams is through the Cardinal Crazy program. Senior Tyler Miller has always wanted to become a Cardinal Crazy to bring energy into the crowd and make sporting events more amusing. Miller hopes that the Cardinal Crazies will motivate athletes to do well at games and events.

“I know some basketball players are kind of disappointed when there’s no one there to support them,” Miller said. “They definitely want to do better in front of the whole school. I think it also works in the other way where hopefully [the student section] gets in the head of the other teams, which just makes it an overall better experience.”

Ultimately, having a support system as an athlete can bring more motivation, energy, and excitement to the game. It allows for every individual to be attached to the intense atmosphere of the sport in some way and to see the athletes succeed.