Athletes deserve a crowd that matches their efforts. Sixty-one to zero. That was the insane victory ERHS varsity football secured against Northwestern High on September 26th. You would expect that such a jaw-dropping performance would draw in a crowd, yet the stands were surprisingly empty. Despite students having full access to sporting events throughout the year, attendance remains minimal. Students and teachers alike have repeatedly explained that people don’t attend, mainly because we don’t win consistently. However, it is important to recognize that expecting teams to consistently be the best in the state is unrealistic. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding contributes to the low turnout seen across nearly all sporting events.
Looking deeper, the experience of student-athletes tells a different story. In a recent Raider Review article, named Inside The Brain of a Student-Athlete: Balancing School and Sports, junior Dione Deuce Wells spoke about the importance of time management, a skill many students find challenging. “Focusing on my work and turning it in on time,” explained Mr Wells. Focusing on deadlines and building relationships with teachers and peers has been crucial for his success. Joseph Newman, a varsity football and track described the process of applying the discipline learned on the field to his academics. “Both sports provide me with opportunities to complete my work and contribute to the team, whether it’s during study hall or after practice.” said Mr Newman. That football team then achieved an impressive 10-3 record last season. Stories like theirs demonstrate that participating in ERHS sports fosters valuable qualities such as effective time management, strengthened relationships, and focused dedication.
Historically, ERHS has been home to one of the finest sports programs in the country. The girls’ indoor track team alone holds a record of 20 state titles, and the school celebrated state basketball championships as recently as 2022. These achievements show a legacy of athletic excellence. The pressing issue remains: what has caused the steep decline in audience attendance? Today, students rarely fill the stands for events other than football, and even then, homecoming games typically draw the most noticeable crowds. It’s a harsh reality that many teams compete without the encouragement and support of their peers.
Supporting ERHS sports isn’t just about watching a game, it’s about celebrating the efforts, teamwork, and determination that represent our school. Even when students do something as simple as just showing up as the action inspires the athletes to perform their best and reminds them how their hard work mattered.
Whether or not you play sports, being present at games demonstrates commitment to your school and helps create lasting memories, which are often largely liked by others going to the same event on social media apps, like Instagram. Showing up to games is a simple, but equally impactful way to strengthen school spirit and make ERHS feel like more than just a place to learn.