‘Let’s go lions!’ Clapping, cheering, stomping. ‘Let’s go lions!’ Whistles, shouts, cheers. ‘Let’s go lions!’ A megaphone is passed, a speaker is connected, and the student section is alive. Senior Nathan Capp sits on the edge of the railing, conducting the student body, as the kick-off sets the Bishop Moore game in motion.
The Oviedo High School student section is a prominent figure in the school’s history. Every year, from fall to spring, the student body of Oviedo High School attends sports events as one. Seniors and the student section leader stand at the front of the bleachers, leading the rest of the section in a series of chants, songs, and games to support the Lions.
Nathan Capp, student section leader, only found out about his position the day of the first game, and a week before the first home game. The rest of the senior class found out an hour after him.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the student section leader because I didn’t originally get the Instagram account,” Capp said. “Dr. Daniel asked me at school before the senior class meeting, and then she just told the entire senior class.”
Being the student section leader comes with many responsibilities and consequences if the responsibilities aren’t carried out.
“I have to make sure that no music with bad words gets played, no chants with bad words are said, and no inappropriate games like Kiss Cam are played,” Capp said. “If any of those three happen, I get in trouble for it.”
Kiss Cam, a halftime classic involving pointing, laughing, and kissing, is no longer allowed at Oviedo High School. However, it made a brief reappearance at the Bishop Moore game, along with one explicit song.
“Ms. DiMatteo gave me a rating of 88/100 for the first game, because of the kiss cam and one of the songs I played, so hopefully I get a 100 at the next one,” Capp said.
Along with administrators like Mrs. Jaclyn DiMatteo, Athletic Director Jen Darty is also responsible for making sure that rules are being followed and students remain respectful during games.
“The big focus is making sure we’re encouraging our team and cheering on the Oviedo Lions,” Darty said.
Darty is in her eighth year as Athletic Director and oversees the school’s 32 athletic programs. She attends most games in support of the Lions, either as a coach, spectator, or administrator.
“I think it’s special when there’s an energy in the stadium or gym that adds to the adrenaline,” Darty said. “It means the world to our student-athletes when the stadium is packed. Playing in front of your peers is a special thing.”
And for the teams playing, the student section’s reach affects their energy as well. Senior Hunter Clark, linebacker for the varsity football team, experiences that from the field.
“When everyone is a little bit down, they just look at the student section,” Clark said. “It gets people hyped and makes them feel better.”
The energy in the stadium extends to all, including students who have been at the school and partaking in activities for the last 4 years.
“Senior year makes [Friday night lights] even more special because you have all your ‘last firsts’,” senior Isabella Schneider said. “My favorite parts are when they throw the baby powder or when they play the classic songs, especially Sweet Caroline.”
Being in the student section is a rite of passage for many high schoolers. Traditions like the baby powder toss in the 3rd quarter and dress-up themes like jersey, America, or frat contribute to the energy under the Friday night lights.
“If you’re a student here, I’d say invest in it, engage in it, be a part of it, and create an experience that you are proud of,” Darty said. “Get out to games, and go all out on themes.”
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