WE’VE GOT SCHOOL SPIRIT YES, WE DO!

GOWOLVES GOWOLVES GOWOLVES GO GO WOLVES WOLVES WE’VE GOT SPIRIT! YES, WE DO! GOWOLVES GOWOLVES GOWOLVES

Tinsley Bertram ’22 smashes home a point on the Curley-Strickland tennis courts, and her classmate and friend Anna Rae Copeland ’22 erupts into cheers, whistles, and applause. Ella Rayburn ‘22, another classmate and friend, stands not far off and rushes over to Anna Rae. She quickly explains to Anna Rae that while her support is much appreciated, encouragement on the tennis courts is usually a bit quieter and less demonstrative. Anna Rae grins sheepishly and claps a little more gently as Tinsley finishes out the match.

“I was just really excited to be able to cheer on my friend,” remembers Anna Rae. “I had no idea I was not supposed to cheer loudly. After two years of not watching spring sports, it’s just really fun to support my friends, and they do the same for me on the lacrosse field and stage.”

Even being a fan takes a little coaching. “We want our students to cheer proudly for the Wolves, their friends, and classmates. We also remind them that a respectful fan cheers for their team, not for the mistakes of their opponents, and they do not shout in frustration at officials,” explains Lacy Gilbert, director of athletics.“I often hear from coaches and administrators at other schools praising our athletes and fans for being both considerate and competitive.”

With so many teams on campus, the opportunities for school spirit are nearly endless. The new lacrosse stadium at the Hoyt Family Athletic Complex offers new and permanent seating for fans ready to cheer on the boys and girls lacrosse teams.

we want our students to cheer proudly for the wolves, their friends, and their classmates. we also remind them that a respectful fan cheers for their team, not for the mistakes of their opponents, and they do not shout in frustration at officials.

LACY GILBERT, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

“The crowds at our games have been incredible,” shares Connor Breslin ‘11, eighth grade boys chair and varsity boys lacrosse head coach. “The energy is electric, and our team certainly feeds off of it.”

Early football teams started the tradition of joining the student section to sing the fight song after each game. the tradition of school spirit has been carefully passed down from class to class, building a community-wide culture of involvement, engagement, and sportsmanship.

Fans of all ages cheer on the Wolves in the 2008 football state championship game.

Students root for the 2010 boys and girls basketball teams, which both won state championships.

Students and parents participate in a “pink-out” night for a 2021 home football game.

Before student sections at the Curley-Strickland tennis courts and packed stands for lacrosse games, Marchman Gymnasium was the hub for school spirit. Prior to Yancey Gymnasium opening in 2006, Wesleyan hosted all basketball games, including varsity games, in Marchman Gymnasium, otherwise known as “The Tackle Box.” With a spectator capacity of 556, fans often filled every seat and then some. While campus facilities will continue to evolve to meet the school’s needs, the legacy of school spirit remains a mainstay.

“As a student, I proudly wore Wesleyan gear to a lot of games, but we also had some ridiculously creative themes. One night we celebrated Zach Young, [headmaster emeritus,] by wearing pink button-downs with bowties and carrying brooms,” remembers Alex O’Donnell ‘06, high school Spanish

teacher and assistant director of Christian life.

O’Donnell also reflected on other school spirit staples – Friday night lights, tailgates before big games, locker decorations, and pep rallies – and she sees many traditions continue.

Even the earliest football players and cheerleaders remember rushing towards the student section and singing the fight song following each game. This beloved community tradition continues to remind players and fans alike of the strength of the Wesleyan family.

“I have a clear image of my friends and classmates bent over the fence at Henderson Stadium ready to hug and high-five me after each football game this year,” recalls Will Burns ‘22. “I get to treasure those memories forever, and I hope every Wesleyan student will make similar memories.”

Many seniors often reflect on a desire to “pass down” a tradition or leave a certain legacy. The tradition of school spirit has been carefully passed down from class to class, building a community-wide culture of involvement, engagement, and sportsmanship. Since the early days in Marchman Gymnasium and now stretching into every corner of campus, the Wolves school spirit is ready to howl.