Student section program director Olivia Middlebrooks is hard at work preparing for the 2025 football season.
Middlebrooks is currently focusing on creating new chants and signs to boost student engagement during games.
The new section leaders plan to create more cohesive chants between the student section, band, cheer team, and dance team. The goal is to have all areas of the stadium involved.
“I think it will be really electric, cheering at the same time and being in coordination with the band,” Middlebrooks said. “It’s going to be really big, and it’s gonna be really fun.”
Grayson Wright, who is part of the “Dawg of All Traits” committee, said that the primary goal is to create a fun and energized atmosphere.
“All the people doing it this year’s main goal is to make it fun for all kids, not just seniors bossing people around,” he said.
The job of a student section leader isn’t just to be the loudest; it’s about creating an environment where everyone is involved.
“Our goal is to show up and make it fun,” Wright said.
Bearden students take pride in supporting their schools’ teams. Wright said this makes his job much easier.
“I think our school has a lot of kids who take pride in our sports,” he said. “It’s a good thing for [student section leaders] to have people who want to be loud and do their part in the games.”
A challenge that leaders are bound to face is student participation. In some instances, it can be hard to get students involved and excited.
However, by creating a more enthusiastic atmosphere, they hope to attract a larger and more diverse crowd to support every team.
“Making it fun for everybody has been a big goal for us, so I think it’s going to be fun for the kids that wouldn’t have typically gone to the games,” Wright said.
Added Middlebrooks: “I think that the student section is really important because athletes of all kinds – not just larger sports with a big fan turnout – deserve support. It’s really important to have support from your peers in everything you do.”
The student section leaders are eager to bring fresh ideas and energy to the student section. By working together, they are committed to making sure everyone is having a good time.
“I am most excited to be in the front of the student section and know I played a part in the turn out,” Middlebrooks said.
Publicist Kendall Coe is already working on making creative graphics and engaging themes designed to captivate the student body. Coe plans to use Instagram to amplify the “Dog Pound” account, creating a digital space for student section information.
“I really enjoyed using specific elements to show students what the themes are and what different incentives could be,” she said.
The 2025 student section has its home debut Friday night at 7 when the Bearden football team hosts Maryville.