They may be the unsung heroes.
They are the ones who attend games, make banners, chant and roar when their team makes the big and small plays.
While it’s generally the student-athletes who make headlines, the student-section at athletic events rarely see any publicity.
But this year, the Oakwood High School Comets’ Pit Crew were one of four finalists in the 1A/2A 2019 IHSA Student Showdown video contest.
Okawville High School was named the champion of the 1A/2A division.
Oakwood track and field coach Lynn Anderson wanted to show off the incredible fan base at Oakwood High School by making a video to submit to the IHSA.
“I really haven’t seen any pep assembly as exciting and thrilling as Oakwood’s,” she said.
The camera started rolling as the community gathered in excitement for homecoming week. With pep assemblies and athletes raising awareness for cancer, the football season was a great time to showcase Comet spirit.
Once basketball season rolled around, the student section supported both the boys’ and girls’ teams, even rushing the photo session when the Lady Comets captured the Vermilion County title.
“It’s just amazing how the kids come and support,” Anderson said.
The 3-minute video includes photos and videos from people throughout the Oakwood community, showcasing positive interaction among students and opposing teams, fan participation and respect for officials.
Anderson teamed up with Oakwood Junior High School Librarian LuAnn Grimm to edit the video.
In their debut, Anderson and Grimm did not know what to expect, but they feel like they have a grasp on the process now.
Although Anderson was happy with the way the video turned out, she would like to tweak the process a little bit.
“Since this was the first year, I wasn’t really sure how it would go over,” she said. “I’m going to get more pictures and do a better job with it.”
The duo is already making plans for next year.
Grimm told Anderson, “We’ve got this next year.”
