As spring approaches, athletes prepare for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and other popular sports. Practices grow longer, games fill the calendar, and teams begin building momentum for the season. Although the spring holds more popular sports, the stands are practically empty. 

What effect does this have on the athletes? Why do the spring athletes suffer? 

Unlike fall sports, especially football, spring athletics don’t always receive the same attention. Football games are viewed as a major social event, an exciting way to kick off the year. These games are usually filled with much school spirit because of the marching band and cheerleaders and also because of the Homecoming season. In the fall, football games are every Friday night, making it easier for students and parents to plan attendance, whereas spring sports do not have a scheduled day for their games. Spring sports don’t have that same routine. Games are spread throughout the week, and by the end of the school year, many students are dealing with academic stress, busy schedules, and simple burnout. School spirit that felt strong in September may not feel the same in May. Another reason that people may not think about is that since there are a lot of spring sports there’s a lot of athletes. A lot of the people that would be attending the games are playing in the games. Liberty High School had almost 500 students show up on the first day of spring tryouts. 

But what does that mean for the athletes?

 For some students, smaller crowds actually create a more relaxed environment. Junior, Logan Pribble explains  “During lacrosse, there’s a lot less pressure. Not a lot of people come out to watch because it’s not quite like Friday Night Football. There’s a lot less of the feeling that you need to succeed, it’s more like you’re just playing in the backyard.” With fewer voices at the games, athletes are able to hear their teammates and coaches more clearly and what the fans are actually saying. Also, spring athletes don’t have to worry about rowdy crowds

Even with empty bleachers, athletes still find their spark within each other. “I feel like we find motivation in each other, just wanting to win for each other. There’s no other people I’d rather play for than my friends on the team. I’m not playing for anyone at the school, I’m playing for the guy right next to me.” says Pribble.

Senior, Savannah Balamuta shares a similar perspective.. “We just support each other,” Balamutat states. “Even if there’s not a lot of people there, I know they’re watching me, encouraging me to do better. I do better because of them.” Having the support from their teammates, athletes like Logan and Savannah strive for their upcoming season.

However, not every athlete feels unaffected by the empty stands.. Sometimes playing in front of a big audience can boost athletes’ confidence. The clapping and cheers from the stands can make the athletes feel supported by their community and make them more motivated to win. With few people at the games, it can have an impact on their mental game. It can be depressing and make game days, which are usually exciting days, filled with anxiety, knowing there won’t be a lot of people there to cheer them on. 

Lower attendance can also impact the school as a whole. Fewer tickets sold can mean less funding for athletic programs, equipment, and future events. School spirit thrives when students show up for one another, and attendance plays a role in building that sense of community. Not only can it have an impact on the athletes but on the school.

Here at Liberty, the height of ticket sales for the year is always at varsity football games. Double varsity header games usually bring in more revenue. There is going to be a varsity soccer double header against Kettle Run this spring in hopes of a bigger audience. Of course, out of county games don’t get a lot of tickets compared to in-county. Games against Kettle Run seem to sell more tickets than any other school. 

Increasing fan attendance at spring games is an overall good thing for the school. Teams should focus on advertising for the games, providing some type of promotion. Schools could promote these games by holding spirit nights. Spring sports may not have the spotlight of football or basketball, but they offer just as much excitement, competition, and dedication. As Logan Pribble says, “There’s more to spring sports than people think. The spring sports are less known, compared to football and basketball. Just branch out. Find something new to watch, maybe it’ll even get you to play. It’s something new, something fun.” This spring, let’s pack the stands and make our presence count; show up, cheer loud, and support the athletes and classmates who represent Liberty with pride.