While the Indians were making their historic football run, they had something extra with them the entire time–their fans.

“The fans make up the entire atmosphere of a game,” senior Indian safety Blake Dominguez said. “They’re crucial to the entire event.”

Though this year the stands were filled with onlookers, it wasn’t always so full of people.

“We used to be able to throw up a rock into the stands and not hit a single person, but that’s definitely not the case this year,” Indian Defensive Coordinator Ted Maple said. “I believe the number of people who were at the games this year correlates with how well we did.”

Maple said that having the fans there, especially during the playoffs, was really important because the Indians needed the support. “Fans give the game its excitement,” senior Indian safety Isaiah Marquez said. “They motivate the team, get us pumped, and when we hear them cheering, it makes us play harder.”

Junior Indian linebacker Cade Barnard said that the fans are one of the most important aspects for the team.

“It’s hard to play when no one’s out there cheering for you,” Barnard said. “When you score a touchdown, there’s a roar from the crowd, and the band starts playing. It’s an awesome experience to have.”

Senior Crystal Froese said that she tried to go to all of the games to support the team and to show that it’s cool to have school spirit. “I take my role as a fan super seriously,” Froese said. “I shout loud enough for people to hear me, I sit in the front, and I yell out to the team. I know that when they’re down by some points, it’s great to have that boost of encouragement to keep them going. It’s about being there for our boys.”

The fans are there to motivate teams. “Fans are the encouragement of the team,” senior Gabby Torres said. “They show up to their games and cheer and chant for them.”

Junior Carter Johnson said that he thinks it’s important for all teams to have student support. “I try to make it to every game that I can,” Johnson said. “Having people behind them to cheer them on makes them feel supported, and it motivates them to do well.”

Senior Josh Alexander shows up to games because he understands that a good, upbeat crowd behind a team can make all the difference.

“When a big play is coming up, it’s a boost in confidence and morale when people cheer you on, so that’s what I try to do,” Alexander said. “Plus they’re like brothers to me.”

Superstition and ritual also play a part in supporting the teams. Alexander said he keeps his own lucky charms at hand for every game. “Before every game, I would make sure I had on my lucky socks and underwear,” Alexander said. “I also have a lucky poker chip.”

The Pride of the Tribe has provided support at football and basketball games.

“We make a lot of noise and yell positive things for the cheerleaders and football players,” senior drum major Nick Acosta said. “Even if they don’t hear us all the time, it helps get the crowd pumped, and the people out there need the support.”

Football Coach Kent Jackson repeatedly refers to the Pride of the Tribe as the “best band in the land” and the band members respond at the games.

“The football players and cheerleaders have said that it helps cheer them on, so our role is crucial,” senior drum major Layne Alvarado said. “We keep up the energy at the games. Sometimes we make up cheers or join in with the cheerleaders.”

Barnard said that it was easy to tell the fans who show up for every game from those who don’t.

“They come down after everything and tell us we did good,” Barnard said. “When we lost our last game, they still said that we did what we could and that it was still a great game. That’s when you know you have a good crowd behind you.”

Maple said there are differences between good and bad fans.

“Fans should be encouraging and rowdy, but when they call out someone specifically, I don’t appreciate it,” Maple said. “The difference between a good fan and a bad fan is if they’re positive or negative. When we’re not doing so well, a good fan will still be encouraging to our team.”

The University Interschoolastic League has rules for fans to follow during games. For instance, in football games, no balloons can be released, no pyrotechnic devices may be used and no one without a uniform is allowed on the field. At basketball games, noisemakers or laser pointers are prohibited in the gymnasium.

Fans who follow the rules and present positive support are valuable. Maple said that good fans are an asset.

“Everybody wants someone to appreciate what they’re doing,” Maple said. “It’s almost like showing off in a way.” The players regard the fans as another weapon. “The fans are one of the most important aspects for our team,” Barnard said. “The feeling when you score and the crowd is screaming for you–that’s the kind of excitement I look forward to in a game.”