It’s a Friday night… The big game will kickoff at 7:00 at Dona Larson. But for these athletes and students, the game begins the moment you wake up. Get ready for a long night ahead, because these students never take a break on game day. But what exactly are they preparing for? Preparation will look different for each athlete and student. The amount of work that goes into putting on this one big event, will shock you.
Timberline players watching offense ready to take the field.
When most think of the football game, that’s exactly what they think of. The big game the football players have been practicing and preparing for to beat their rivals. The daily practices after school and watching films of past games to look for improvement. Eating and resting lots to make sure they have optimal energy for the game.
However…
For the cheerleaders, it’s working on perfecting their sharp movements and warming up stunts. Sending their bodies backwards flipping through the air, making it look effortless.
Student Section, dance, cheer, and the band all watching the game.
For the dancers, it’s waking up for six am practice to rehearse their dances and cheers to go along with the band. It’s stretching and technique classes to maintain a straight and pointed high kick!
For the band, they rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday after school for multiple hours and extra practice right before the game.
For the photographers, they gather all of their equipment and make sure the batteries are charged.
All while the Student Council is on a time crunch to come up with a theme, make posters, find props for the student section, advertising in the media, and so much more.
Sophomore student section in game spirit. From left to right (Will Anderson, Collin Morris, JoJo St Pierre, Olivia Bartosik, Laurel Pinson, Fanci Sackett)
Everyone’s individual talent contributes during the game. When you take a look at all the various roles your fellow students play, you realize the effort it takes to put on just one game. Take a look at various responses, from each group listed above, to the question below.
What’s your favorite part about the football game?
Shelby Idol (Sr.) Football:
“The feeling after we score or make a big play on offense.”
Maddie Whitehead ( Jr.) Cheerleader:
“Getting to show off our stunts and tumbling to the parents and student section.”
Sophia Williams ( Jr.) Dancer:
“Being on the track and being able to socialize with everybody on the team, and working together to hype up everybody for the game.”
James Mares ( Sr.) Band Member:
“The halftime marching show and the pep band for when the team scores a touchdown.”
Natalie Schroeder ( Sr.) Photographer:
“Talking with the football players during the game and collaborating while I take pictures. I also love to edit the pictures after and see how they turned out.”
Anna Wilson ( Sr.) Student Council Representative:
“I love seeing everyone excited, and getting to be the person that’s getting everyone excited. And also being a part of the community.”
When you take a moment to look at the big picture, you truly see how much goes into making the game happen. Everything works in a rhythm, with everyone doing their part, we can all thrive as one.
Everybody does their job, and just attending the game is doing yours. Without spectators, what are all those teams/groups there for? Even though we all have a different role to play, one common thing unites us; showing our school spirit and believing in taking part in something greater than yourself.
At the end of the night, the game ends, and everybody goes home. Soon, everyone will forget about the score of the game, but will hold onto the memories they shared with their fellow students and friends. The time on the field, track, and stands creates a magical high school experience that you will hold onto for years to come.
