By Abby Turner
Fall wouldn’t be the same without football. And football wouldn’t be the same without the encouragement, entertainment and energy that the band, cheerleaders and dance team bring to the field.
Head coaches of band, cheer and dance at Hoover High School and Spain Park High School shared what we can expect to see from their performers at football games this season—and the magic that makes their performers so entertaining.
Drew Ellis, director of Spain Park’s band Pride of the Park, said his band is the central hub of school spirit. “We work with the cheerleaders and student section to create a loud, exciting, energetic environment,” said Ellis. “The Pride of the Park also presents a competitive advantage to our football team, helping to create the least hospitable environment possible for the opposition!”
Ellis himself loves to make music, and he feels blessed to be involved in a career that allows him to do so every day with students who share his passion and talent.
Ryan Fitchpatrick, Hoover’s band director, said this year’s Football Marching Band will be performing a show called “To Hoover, With Love” that will include popular love songs. Students, parents and football fans can expect to feel the love on the turf as Fitchpatrick and the band want to pay tribute to their school.
“The students of the Hoover band are like a family,” said Fitchpatrick. “They work together and support each other. Their dedication is second to none. We all know that Hoover High School is a special place and being here makes each of us want to give the extra sacrifice needed to climb to the top.”
Morgan Lambert, Spain Park cheerleading coach, said her performers are entertaining for their heart, passion and energy. These things become the most evident on Friday nights in the stadium. “They are all smiles as they cheer on the team and perform skills in front of the crowd,” said Lambert. “You see their joy and passion shine through in all things on the sideline, but especially when they are cheering and dancing along with the Pride of the Park Marching Band!”
Anna Claire Zylstra, varsity cheer coach at Hoover, said we can expect new cheers and chants from her cheerleaders this season, designed to engage the crowd and boost team spirit. She knows her cheerleaders play a crucial role in fostering team spirit by uniting fans in support for Hoo
ver football.
“The cheerleaders foster a strong sense of community and pride, uniting students, staff and fans through their enthusiastic performances and support for the teams,” said Zylstra. “My school stands out due to its vibrant culture, where the dedication of the cheerleaders and the commitment to excellence in academics, sports and extracurricular activities create a well-rounded and dynamic environment.”
Zylstra cherishes her position at Hoover, stating that the opportunity to inspire young minds and help them to achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.
Rachel Matherson, coach of the Spain Park Dazzlers dance team, said her dancers are genuine, hard-working, and talented athletes with a unique style that sets them apart. Her dancers showcase hip-hop, pom, jazz and kick dance styles in their routines, and though she says it can be demanding, it keeps the audiences excited. “Our energy, passion and genuine love of performing is what makes us entertaining,” said Matherson. “We strive to be unique while engaging the wide range of audiences we perform for.”
Matherson said there is no better feeling than watching her students excel while being part of a supportive group that shares her same passion.
Alicia Wilbanks, director of the varsity Buccanettes dance team at Hoover High School, said her Buccanettes and the marching band have the most fun out of anyone at Hoover footb
all games. The Buccanettes perform dances synced to the band in the stands throughout the game, and during halftime, they dance on the field. Wilbanks said the theme of this year’s halftime show speaks to their heart for their school and community.
Wilbanks grew up as a dancer and loves her job. “My favorite thing about coaching and teaching is seeing the growth in my students over the course of the year,” said Wilbanks. “I love working with teenagers and seeing their special mix of having one foot in the world of responsibility and young adulthood while still having one foot in the fun and silliness of childhood. The fact that I can use my love for dance to reach and teach young adults is the best of both worlds!”
Next time you’re at a football game, pay attention to the sidelines. These performers and their directors never fail to entertain.