Even though our 2025-2026 football season is coming to an end, it is pivotal to remember proper etiquette, no matter the score. In the setting of other sports, be mindful of the players and families around you, they want to win just as much as you do. Show John Marshall what P.A.R.K. is all about tonight at the Alien Invasion.
The students of Wheeling Park High School are no stranger to school spirit. When it comes to cheering on our team, we are the best of the best. But this goes without saying that there are rules. While we all love football, basketball, and volleyball games, sometimes we get too wrapped up in the fun, and forget proper behavior. We asked head football coach, Chris Daugherty, his views on the Park Pit’s influence on the game.
“The student section can and does have a huge influence in the game. They can help motivate our athletes but also put pressure on the visiting team,” said Daugherty.
Coach Doc mentions how students’ energy often is a huge motivator for players on the field. He mentions he loves the energy that the Park Pit creates for not only the game, but the players as well.
To get another perspective, Coach Michael Jebbia, a health teacher and head basketball coach here at Wheeling Park, offered a similar viewpoint.
“I think the student section effects the game in a positive way. When your peers are at the game watching, it can help raise your energy level. However, on the road, it can be a tougher environment when the away team has their student section close to the floor,” said Jebbia.
Both coaches agree that while the student section plays a big role in energy of the game, behavior of students is equally as crucial to practice, especially in winter sports, as students are right next to players.
While it is key to give our teams the utmost support, it is also important to practice appropriate behavior and decorum. When it comes to behavior, we turned to head principle, Meredith Dailer, for her views.
“I’ve been really impressed with the Park Pit this year,” said Dailer “I hope our students use etiquette and not use derogatory language or expressions and not to direct any nastiness to specific players.”
Dailer believes that the energy emitting from the student section is a major factor of #experiencethePARK.
“Attending a football game, sitting in the student section, cheering on your team is one of the best ways to experience the park,” said Dailer.
