The screams echo through the gym, chants echoing through the once empty gym. After a year and a half of limited spectators in sports, the newfound noise and pressure from the crowd is terrifying, yet exhilarating. The rush and the fear dimming to background noise as the players take the court and the only thing left is the team and the ball.

“After not having spectators for, I guess a year and a half, it’s just having all those people again, it’s so much fun but it’s also really intimidating at the same time because you’re just not used to it,” senior volleyball player Catherine Connolly said. “I think everyone adjusted to it pretty quickly but it was definitely nerve racking at first.”

These spectators aren’t just anyone. They are the FHN goonies. Every year seniors decide to be goonies and cheer on our FHN teams. They decide themes, spread the word about games and dates, and most importantly lead chants to raise the energy at games. 

“I like being a goonie because it makes me feel like I’m doing something for the students who want to come to the games and all that because no one wants a quiet crowd where you’re the only one cheering when points are made,” goonie and senior Hugh Kibera said. “I like being given the opportunity to be a part of the people who lead the crowd for the chants and stuff like that.”

After waiting so long to watch sports games again, the seniors are enjoying every moment of it. Since it’s their last year of high school, it’s time to really let loose and enjoy it.

“I just try to give it my all every single time even if I feel kind of anxious leading the crowd,” Kibera said. “It’s just bittersweet because you know it’s going to come to an end soon but in the moment I’m just enjoying it.”