Friday night lights for New Hartford expresses the spirit people have for our school. Football games are filled with excitement where people can dress up, show school spirit, and cheer on our New Hartford Varsity boys Football team. Every year and every game, the student council will decide a theme for students to follow. Some very popular themes in New Hartford that the school picks every year are red white and blue, black out, and a very popular game which is the pink out for Breast Cancer Awareness. These themes bring spirit to the games and make a great Friday night light in New Hartford.
Caitlin Greene, a student at New Hartford, has been attending the football games for quite some time now. Caitlin shares that people are very passionate about dressing up for games. They go all out and people make tons of posters to support the football team.
“It’s amazing to see everyone chant and see how hype people get during these moments,” Caitlin said. “It’s a powerful way to let our team know we are rooting for them and know that they are capable of winning,”
Caitlin’s personal favorite theme is red white and blue, also known as the USA theme. She sees that it’s the easiest to go all out for since the majority of people own red, white, and blue. These colors also represent the New Hartford Central School District.
“The theme is perfect for our school and for our country,” Caitlin said.
Since Caitlin is into dressing up for games, she goes to lots of places to buy clothes. When a certain theme comes out, Caitlin either shops on Amazon, at Hobby Lobby, Spirit Halloween/Party City and more.
Going to the football games creates a valuable moment. When the sun is setting, everyone is cheering, and you hear announcers speaking on the loud speaker, it’s an unforgettable memory.
“I would say there’s an adrenaline rush and provides such a surreal feeling seeing the school and also being a senior,” Caitlin said. “It’s amazing seeing everyone yell and cheer when watching the game.”
Caitlin believes that dressing up is the most important part about being in the student section. It’s a great way to show the other team that we are ready for them and we aren’t afraid.
Niko Martinez, the starting running back and linebacker of New Hartford Varsity Football, feels the student section and how people dress represents a fun and exciting way to bring our community together. The student section is so into the game that you can’t hear anything, but people screaming.
“Seeing a crowd with such passion to watch the game and be there for the boys really helps give the team energy,” Niko said. “Playing on that field, you’re going to need that support to be able to perform to your best ability. And that’s exactly what they give us.”
Martinez’s favorite theme is red, white and blue because he feels like it shows team spirit and love for our country. Having a student section makes him feel like it creates an energetic environment and it creates a surreal feeling.
“It’s just another part of showing love for the game,” Niko said.
Alyssa Virkler is a student in 10th grade. She often sits with the seniors during football games and gets the full experience. Alyssa shares that the student section is filled with joy and finds the front to be the most exciting and where everything can be seen.
“Being with the older girls, it makes me feel like I am a part of something and it’s exciting seeing how everyone is locked into the game,” Alyssa said.
Alyssa’s favorite part about the student section is being with all the seniors and dressing up. She thinks the student section’s strongest trait is showing school spirit and cheering on the boys. It really shows how New Hartford is full of love and support for our teams.
