By Alice Pulliam 
Staff Writer

    As a new school year begins at R.J. Reynolds High School, fall sports are in session, schedules are packed, and students are scrambling to find the motivation to keep up with their work – especially after a relaxing summer vacation. But who’s in charge of keeping the school spirit high during this chaotic time? Who leads the student section to cheer on their peers as they compete in their respective sports? 

    The answer is none other than the Reynolds Rowdies. The Rowdies are a group of senior students who have taken on the role and responsibility of leading the student section and keeping students engaged and rowdy at athletic events. This year’s 2026-2027 Rowdies are: Hughes Laurienti, Alex Kuhner, Kevin Baker, Charlie Zaks, and Oliver Dunn. They were chosen by the previous year’s Rowdies for their excessive display of school spirit and commitment to Reynolds athletics.

    There is more to being a Rowdy than simply leading cheers and keeping spirits high in the student section. After a long day of school and copious amounts of homework, Rowdies must still make time to attend Reynolds sporting events. 

    “Most of the Rowdies have really busy schedules, especially with college applications and other sports going on,” Rowdy Hughes Laurienti said. “After a long day, we still have to go to all the games. It’s very time-consuming.”

    However, the substantial time commitment is a small price to pay for the opportunity to give athletes confidence as they compete. Kevin Baker plays on the varsity football team in addition to his role as a Rowdy. 

    “At football games, a spirited student section brings more confidence to the players,” Baker said. “When the student section has a lot of energy, we have more energy on the field.”

    Not only will the Rowdies be raising school spirit this year, but they also plan to raise funds for breast cancer during the pink-out-themed game scheduled for October 2nd. Alongside the Reynolds Girl’s Council service club, the Rowdies hope to fundraise and spread awareness for breast cancer through the event.

    Apart from directing cheers, the Rowdies are also responsible for selecting the football game themes every week. This year, the various themes of toga, blackout, USA, and pink out are posted on the @rjr_rowdies Instagram account.   During these games, the Rowdies stand at the front of the student section and boost the morale of players and spectators. 

   “I really like being a Rowdy because you’re more involved in the student section and can make it more fun,” Rowdy Alex Kuhner said.

    There’s no doubt that being a Rowdy requires a great deal of energy and time, but supporting and cheering on Reynolds athletics is worth it. Showing up for games, keeping a positive attitude, and displaying good sportsmanship while in the student section is a foundational part of Reynolds sports and can even have an impact on the outcome of the game. 

    “The more involved the student section is, the more fun it is for the players, and the more it means to the players,” Kuhner said.

    Without question, Reynolds athletics would not be the same without the Rowdies heading the student section and boosting morale on the field and in the stands.