NORWICH – While this week is dedicated to school spirit, it certainly isn’t the only time of the year when Norwich High School students show their Purple Pride. There is no better example than athletic events.
If you’ve ever been to see one of the high school’s numerous sports teams compete, you can attest to the fact that nothing whips up spirit like the Purple Tornado.
Whether games are home or away, the stands always seem to be filled with students eager to cheer on their fellow students on the field, court or in the pool.
“It doesn’t matter what sport,” said Athletic Director Steve Griffin. “They want to support one another.” Cheering on their peers is a way for all kids to feel they belong, even if they don’t play a particular sport.
What makes Norwich students such great fans?
“Norwich has a school full of great kids,” Griffin explained. While they are vocal and loud in their support of the teams and individuals who compete on behalf of the school, they are also respectful. He said he often receives complements from other athletic directors about Norwich’s student supporters. They say Norwich has the best student section they’ve seen, according to Griffin.
Many of Norwich’s sports teams have done well this year, including basketball, swimming, bowling and tennis. But all sports have their fans, Griffin said, adding that sometimes he even sees kids running back and forth between competitions so they don’t miss any of the action.
Support is so strong, that sometimes Norwich’s student fans outnumber those of the competition even at away matches. The recent boy’s basketball game in Poughkeepsie was a prime example, Griffin said. “We had a huge student turn out for that.”