Fans play a huge role in sporting events. While their presence hinders some, it aids others. Overall, fans should recognize that they have a positive effect on an athlete’s performance. Our own fan base, Red Rage, makes an effort to attend events of all sports and shows support for our school’s athletes.

It’s often a boost of confidence when athletes have people there to watch them play.

Senior captain of the school’s hockey team, Nick Hollander, said it is great that the team is finally getting some attention. The stronger fan base has been really exciting.

Psychology suggests that the presence of others will cause one to improve his or her ability. This idea is called social facilitation; it is the tendency of people to do better at tasks that they already do well on when others are watching.

“It’s always great having people there to support you and just knowing that you have people cheering you on,” said Junior Christopher Washington, varsity football player and cheerleader.

Athletes who choose to participate in high school sports make that decision in order to support their school, so it is nice when their fellow classmates are there to support them.

“I know in previous years fans would leave after the first quarter, but for all the people that stuck around, it made the game a lot more fun, and it made the big plays even more exciting,” said Washington, referring to the Red Raged fan section at the football games this year. “Overall, it made everything a better experience.”

But not everyone likes to be watched while they’re competing. There are a handful of people who get nervous when fans, especially people they know, are in the stands. The presence of friends and family makes them feel extra pressure, therefore worsening their performance.

“Personally, I don’t really enjoy when people watch me play, family and friends included. I like to focus on my game, but having friends and family there stresses me out, and it gets in my head when I’m playing,” said Sophomore Kelsy Austwick, volleyball, basketball and lacrosse player.

Although the presence of fans might make certain players more nervous, it’s the thought that counts.

“The gesture is always appreciated because having people come out to support you really is a great feeling, but when I’m out there playing my game, I would choose to not have people there to watch,” said Austwick.

Regardless of how one feels about fans, it’s important to recognize any time someone takes time out of his or her day to show support for another person. Whether this be by including the fans in the singing of the fight song or with a simple thank you, it is important for those competing to show appreciation.

“I think it’s nice to be able to look out into the crowd and see familiar faces,” said Senior Jennimai Nguyen, varsity cheerleader.

I encourage people to come out and join Red Rage in their effort to support MHS athletics. It is always greatly appreciated and can make a significant difference in one’s performance.

“Especially as a cheerleader, you’re always cheering on another team, so it’s nice to have fans cheering you on at a competition,” said Nguyen.

Information regarding sporting events being attended by Red Rage is posted on the Red Rage 6 Facebook page. They will also be tweeted, so follow @redrage_6 to keep up to date with all Red Rage events.