When the stands are full and students are cheering for their classmates, school spirit can turn an ordinary game into something much bigger. At East Haven High School, students and staff agree that supporting school athletics helps bring people together and creates pride within East Haven High School, but keeping that excitement alive has become more challenging over the years.
For business teacher Mr. Ryan, community support is one of the most important parts of school athletics. Although he has only been teaching at East Haven for two years, he has already noticed how much energy sports can bring to a school. “I feel like having the community paying attention to it is kind of a big step,” Ryan said. “People just show up, and it’s not just because their kids are playing. They enjoy supporting the teams.” Mr. Ryan believes strong support from students, families, and community members can make a big difference. He also pointed out that the fans who do attend games are passionate about supporting East Haven athletes. “The people who show up are hardcore and gonna get into it,” he said.
Coach Gleason has also noticed changes in student participation over the years. According to Coach Gleason, interest in some traditional team sports has declined. “There’s definitely a lack of interest in high school sports here,” he said. He believes students today have different interests and attention spans than previous generations. Because of that, coaches have to adapt. “Nowadays, you have to make it fun,” Gleason said. “You have to make it fun, and your practices have to be quicker.”
Despite the challenges, Gleason encourages students who may be unsure about playing a sport to take a chance. “Try it,” he said. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to play. But you should try different things.” He believes sports are about more than winning games. They help students learn teamwork, build friendships, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
School spirit is about more than wins and losses. It is about students showing up for one another, celebrating accomplishments, and creating memories together. While East Haven may face some challenges when it comes to student involvement, the passion is still there. With more students attending games, supporting their classmates, and getting involved in school activities, that spirit can continue to grow.
