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The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
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Crowd goes Crazy

Seniors help rally up the student section while rooting on the players
Lainey Reynolds, Staff Reporter
September 12, 2024
Selma Turman
Cheering on the football team, senior Frederick Mindrup dresses up with necklaces, bracelets and an American flag cape to help lead chants and show school spirit. He and 15 other crazies pumped up the crowd and made the most of the first football game this season. “During football games, we are responsible for the crowd,” Mindrup said. “This means that we need to keep the energy flowing if it seems too mellow. We help lead chants with the cheerleaders and encourage the crowd to get loud.”

Cheering on the Wildcats from the crowd, participating in different chants and dressing up in theme are what many students love about attending football games. However, a group of 16 seniors are more thrilled to be upfront, getting everyone excited and leading the spirit cheers, while dressed from head to toe in wacky costumes. 

The Wildcat Crazies stand on the track or in the front of the stands to get students, parents, guests and fans hyped up for the game and build excitement. These students love running with the CATS flag, getting the crowd loud and interacting with not only the high school students but also the little kids and middle schoolers. This entertaining and wild group consists of seniors Sophia Eljamal, Jake Hamilton, Ava Fix, Ava Harrison, Brykin Jones, Carson Hutteger, Drew Zealand, Wakeley Holzer, Tanner Baker, Reece Wilson, Lynley Janovich, Lindsey Mathis, Landen Swift, Fred Mindrup, Gracey Meinert and Halle Kerkman.

 “We help with finalizing game themes and get the student section to be louder and at more sporting events,” Zealand said. “So far, my favorite part is seeing the student section being loud for Millard West. During games, we try to get the student section as loud as possible.”

After seeing the crazies from previous years, these students were excited to sign up and went to the activities office at the end of their junior year. With no application process, all they had to do was show interest and they got to become one. 

“This year has so many more crazies than prior years,” Mindrup said. “I’m not sure what happened, but I think the power of persuasion helped. There are multiple friend groups as crazies this year, so instead of applying as individuals, I think many encouraged friends to join with them.”

Not only do they dress up in funky outfits at games but also during the school day. They wear all sorts of costumes like tutus, funny hats, wigs and even blow-ups. 

 “I only dress up at school during game days, so about once a week,” Janovich said. “I don’t mind dressing up at school. I get weird looks and my friends make a bunch of jokes about it, but I don’t really mind.”

Overall, these seniors are very excited to spend their last high school football season watching from the track and pumping up the crowd. They get to make the most of their senior year by making it more wacky and fun. Watch the sidelines at the football games to see more of their craziness.

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About the Contributor
Lainey Reynolds
Lainey Reynolds, Staff Reporter
Lainey is a sophomore and this is her first year on staff. She is also involved in Millard West show choir, Hosa, Key Club, Tri-M, French, and FCA. Outside of school she enjoys arts and crafts and hanging out with her friends and family. She is excited to write stories for people to read and is hoping to improve her writing throughout the year.