Top 5 Things to Do as an Immanuel Sports Fan
As I finish up my time here at Immanuel in my senior year, I began to think of all the great moments and experiences I’ve had in my three-plus years here. A great number of these moments have come from me participating in athletics, whether as a fan, broadcaster, or player. There might be more in the future, but for now I’ve come up with a list of the top five things to experience related to Immanuel athletics.
1.Listen to the Pep Band perform and sing along.
I’ve been a part of the Pep Band all four years of high school so I can’t speak from experience so well on this one, but I sure have watched people doing this over the years. Our school’s Pep Band plays many songs that are easy to sing along to such as “Hey Song,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Hey Baby,” and our school song, “The Victors.” Follow the lead of the upperclassmen; feel free to cheer on the band and have yourself an awesome time before the Varsity match/game starts.
2. Participate in a volleyball/basketball game, even if you’re not playing.
Keeping the crowd involved in the game can have quite the influence on what happens in the event. At a home volleyball match or basketball game, consistent cheers from the student section can create a tough (don’t make it hostile) environment for the visitors to play in. On the road, it can give your Lancer team the boost it needs. Classics like “Clap Attack!” and “Green Machine” are always welcome, as well as specialized cheers for volleyball servers (for instance, “KA-ZEM-BA”) and new chants, such as the chant from Finding Nemo that our fans have grown fond of this volleyball season. All of these boost our teams’ morale. The louder and crisper they are, the better.
3.Attend a baseball or softball game at Carson Park.
Our school has been blessed to have our Varsity baseball’s home field be the beautiful Carson Park. Because it also functions as the home of a Northwoods League team, the Eau Claire Express, it provides a great small ballpark field. The gorgeous views from all over the park provide a fantastic outside atmosphere for our teams of the diamond. Head over the river to Carson this spring to catch a baseball or softball game.
4.Playoff season.
Throughout the regular season, teams here at Immanuel have a lot invested in each and
every game, such as bragging rights over Dairyland rivals and conference standing implications. However, once the postseason starts in any Varsity sport, it’s all or nothing. That’s when having a crowd presence is truly needed. Other schools recognize this, too, and a postseason game is one you’re most likely to lose your voice trying to outlast and outdo the opposing team’s fans. Every point and every play is vital. It truly can be the best of times and worst of times. Whether good or bad, it’s a time that all Immanuel should aim to be a part of.
5.Go to a cross-country meet.
In almost all sporting events, spectators are confined to a certain spot and have to sit or stand from that spot all game. Cross-country meets are the exception to this rule. Once that gun goes off and the runners head out of sight, fans can rush to a different part of the course to meet their school’s runners there with cheers. I highly recommend attending the State Meet in Wisconsin Rapids. I’ve gone for the last seven years to cheer on Immanuel and the rush from the starting line to your second cheering location is an incredible experience.