Intense, crazy, and wild. These words describe the student section at fall sporting events as students show their school spirit by dressing up for games.

Senior Marshall McCarty helps select the dress up themes for each game. He, along with senior Annie Cassutt, run the Spirit Squad Twitter page.

“Annie and I came up with the themes,” McCarty said. “We ask the other seniors for their input or put polls up on Twitter.”

Some of the favorite themes for football and volleyball games have been neon, America, prep, camo, black out, and pink out. Students usually borrow clothes from one another in order to fit the theme.  On camo night at the Western Dubuque volleyball game, senior Sam Johnson borrowed clothes from Luke Bandy (12).

“I wore a full body camo outfit,” Johnson said. “It was awesome for Luke to to let me use his clothes for the game.”

Freshman cheerleader Chloe Wilson enjoys cheering in front of the decorated student section.

“If I could, I would just lead the student cheers because they’re more into it,” Wilson said. “I like getting them involved because they’re enthusiastic, and I like to see everyone get dressed up.”

One theme many students enjoyed was neon night. Decked out from head to toe in bright green, pink, orange, and blue, the student section was hard to miss. Many students even painted their faces for this night.

“Everyone had face paint on, so I thought it would be cool to paint mine, too,” junior Maddy Burke said. “I put colorful dots above and below my eyes with a Q-tip.”

Senior Maleah Georgen, an avid participant in all themes, says that America is her favorite theme. Georgens’ outfit included a red, white, and blue tutu, a festive tie dye shirt, and red and white striped bandana. Along with dressing up, Georgen also leads many cheers in the student section.

“It’s nice to know the student body is behind me and everyone is pumped up and into the game,” Georgen said about leading cheers.

Because Georgen is a senior, she is trying to make the most out of every last football and volleyball game.

“You need to remember that it’s your last year and make the games the best you can for the athletes and scream as loud as you can every game.”

Sophomore Daniel Woods, another student section leader, is known for standing if front of the bleachers wearing a hawk mascot head. Woods has named the hawk Hugo, which he saw written on the inside of the head.

“People were telling me I should wear it, so I asked Mr. (Mike) Morrison,” Woods said. “He told me it was in the storage room, and I could wear it.”

Woods only wears Hugo during defense because he has another obligation when the Hawks are on offense. Whenever the Hawks score a touchdown, Woods runs the huge orange and black flag in front of the stands.

The West Delaware student section has received shout outs on Twitter from coaches, players, and even visiting sports reporters, commending their spirit.

Head volleyball coach Brett Mather appreciates the students’ positive energy.

“They bring energy and excitement into the gymnasium to help our squad achieve a victory,” said Mather. “I like it when they are having a good time and staying involved in the match.”

Head football coach Doug Winkowitsch thinks the student section is extremely important to the game.

“They play a huge roll in the energy on the field,” Winkowitsch said.  “It’s great to see the kids have fun, and we really appreciate all the fan support.”