“I know you guys,” head boys basketball Coach Todd Muckleroy said before we headed out to play on a Friday night. “You guys are everywhere when the stands are packed.”
He was right.
Having a gymnasium packed with students who support you helps a team tremendously.
In my opinion, players play better with an energetic crowd. During this season, we have had several close games and with our energetic student section, all the momentum was in our favor. It felt as though we could not lose and all the pains and fatigue had left our bodies.
The Rocket Rowdies, led by Mrs. Brittny Kidd, have a reputation of dressing up, painting up and standing up at all games to support their team. Several schools in the area have their own student sections including Woodridge’s “Dawg Pound” and Aurora’s “Gang Green.”
The Rocket Rowdies are responsible for the decorated gymnasium filled with posters supporting our players and team. To make the games more fun, The Rowdies have planned different themes throughout the season. This season there has been a Christmas theme, an “All-Pink” theme, a “White Out,” “J-Dub Night” and a “Black out” theme.
The white out was a huge success. Not only did the students go all out, but even the parents did too! The whole home side of the bleachers was filled in white clothes which supported their team to a blow-out over Woodridge.
During the game against Ravenna, our student section was once again packed, supporting junior Robert Wilson as he made an attempt to score his 1,000th career point. After putting the ball in the hoop and getting fouled, Wilson stood at the free-thow line to score Number 1,000. Wilson calmly knocked down his shot and was followed up by the home crowd giving him a standing ovation while waving “1,000” signs in the air.
The blackout at Waterloo was again, a success. Everyone came to the game with black shirts, black pants, and black shoes to help support us. Even though we had already won the championship, it still was nice to see everyone show up for the last league game of the year.
For my last game ever played here at Streetsboro High School, I could not have asked for more support. The decorated gymnasium and signs made that night for me, one that I will remember forever.
I would personally like to thank Mrs. Kidd and all those who put in the time to make the night a success. I honestly do not think that it could have gone any better, and to clinch the PTC title at the end of the night, made it priceless.
Our student section has provided tremendous support for our sports teams and I can only see the tradition growing. On behalf of all student athletes, I would like to thank all those who came out and supported our teams each night throughout the season.
John Weingart