By: Kaylinn Esparza and Christine Juhas
School is back in session and the Nation is back in action. As sports start up this fall, the fans are getting ready as well. Over the past couple of years the Nation has grown stronger than ever. At the football games, the stands are packed with screaming, excited Grens ready to cheer on their team. By sporting the weekly spirit shirt designed by the Nation group and displaying school colors, the nation is representing all that Elk Grove stands for.
Tips for the football games:
-Follow the theme
-Don’t throw things. It’s not nice and if caught you will probably be kicked out of the stadium.
-Listen to seniors and let them have priority seating– that means front row. They have waited four years to sit up front and everyone else will get their chance in the years to come.
-Don’t use silly string. It’s messy and annoying to clean up.
Anyone and everyone can be a superfan. Generally, seniors are the super fan leaders. However– if students dress up and go over the top with that week’s theme, are super loud in the stands and encourage everyone to go and have fun at the games then it is possible to be a superfan. It’s all about displaying school spirit and staying positive.
“Well, everyone is part of the nation but there are a few people who are in charge of the behind the scenes,” superfan senior Katie Prochenski said.
There are five main people among all the super fans and they are seniors Katie Prochenski, Jake Gatziolis, Patricia Murray and juniors Scottie Furlong, Matt Eder.
“With Doll not being here this year the upperclassmen had to step up and take charge to figure everything out with getting ready for football games. (Special education teacher) Brian Bucciarelli and (physical education teacher) Keith Kura along with (assistant principal) Richard Mirro have been a big help too. Everyone is just excited for the season and expecting the boys to play well and give us something to be loud about,” Prochenski said.
Rule number one of being a superfan: know the cheers. They’re easy to learn and fun to do at games and pep assemblies. Freshmen may not know the cheers yet, but all upperclassmen are pros at cheering on their fellow Grens. To view a video on just some of the cheers performed at the football game against Palatine, click on the link.
The Nation doesn’t stop at football. With 27 boys and girls sports teams at Elk Grove High School, the Nation should cheer on all of them. Football might be the game to see on Friday nights but swing by the main gym on Tuesday or Thursday nights and catch an intense volleyball match, or check out the pool for a swim meet. When basketball season comes around, support your Grenadiers on big game days.
To stay connected, follow the Grenadier Nation on Twitter at @EG_Nation and join the Facebook group– Gren Nation. Learn that week’s football theme and about Nation shirt sales. Also, get the schedule for all upcoming sports events. Grens can post their encouragements, positive feedback and suggestions on the Twitter and Facebook pages.