By Caitlin Acker
Staff Writer

    R.J. Reynolds High School has arguably the best school spirit of any Forsyth County School. After the construction of the M. Douglas Crater Field and Stadium, the Reynolds student section has grown in attendance with each game. This year, Reynolds has decided to move the student section to the opposite side of the stands, completely changing student experiences at games.

    One of the reasons for the smooth transition of the original student section is the dedication of the staff who work the games. Reynolds math teacher Bruce Lanier enjoys volunteering at the games, along with other teachers, to ensure student safety during games. 

    “The student section is very spirited,” Lanier said. “They really support the teams and bring the energy during games. We try to rely on the Rowdies to keep things under control, but sometimes that doesn’t work out, so once in a while I’ll make sure the students are being respectful. The new location of the student section provides a barrier between them and the field, which will hopefully limit the number of times I have to patrol the area.”

    The Rowdies take most of the credit for making the student section fun and maintaining a controlled environment for all the students. This year, the Rowdies seem especially enthusiastic for the games, which may make this year’s student section different from any other.

    “We’re preparing to make this Friday super fun for everybody for the first game of the season,” senior Rowdy Alex Kuhner said. “A Friday night home game is always exciting. We plan on having fun, but in a controlled manner, especially with the change in location of the student section.”

    For many seniors, the new location of the student section is an exciting change. Last year, each football game became a stressful event with different issues every time, like tensions between the band parents and students, and a constant need for supervision. Each home game created frustration between the students and families watching the game. 

    “I definitely think the new area is a step in the right direction,” senior Annie Thompson said. “The band is noticeably smaller now, which makes a huge difference, making more room for the actual student section. It gives us more space to spread out, actually get loud, and have everyone together instead of having people shoved into a tiny area.”

    Prior to moving the student section, the lack of space was proving to be a major issue. Thankfully, now there is plenty of room for the section to keep growing. Students can finally feel a sense of community in the new space rather than tension among the band and parents. 

    “I know some people might not love the change just because it’s different from what we’re used to, but I genuinely think it could be so much better once everyone adjusts to it,” Thompson said. “There are still going to be things we need to figure out, but compared to all the problems we had last year, I’m definitely happy with the new setup.”

    For freshmen who have never experienced the student section, starting their first year off in the new area sets the stage for the future of the Reynolds student section. A rowdier environment in the stands encourages the freshmen to be more enthusiastic at future games. 

    The new student section location solves many conflicts, but it also places the students right in front of the RJR Dancing Boots and Cheer Team. Along with hyping up the crowd, this creates a better experience for both the dancers and cheerleaders. Because these teams can be seen better now, it encourages them to perform at a higher level. 

    “The new location of the student section reminds me of when we used to cheer at Deaton Thompson,” Boots captain Josephine Rose said. “The whole team has missed cheering to a student, unlike last year when we were cheering towards the field. All the girls have had way more fun this year and are excited for the upcoming games.”

    Moving the student section was a major change implemented at Reynolds this year. Tensions within the crowd have lightened, the students are more energetic, and all the groups performing at the games feel more seen. Although students will have to adjust to this change, it has already influenced the students’ attitudes after just the first few games.