Football season is here, Friday night lights are back, and the Student Section is roaring.

Every year, the Tiger Student Section is one of the largest and loudest in western Pennsylvania. This year, the section’s four new leaders are Anna Bridges, Vivi DelVecchio, Jacob Clarkson, and Travis Lamark.

“Leading the Student Section this year is going to be a blast,” Larmark said. “I’m super excited for the games and to just have a good time for myself and other students.”

Every football game, either home or away features a theme chosen by the four leaders. Last year, there were complaints about the themes, so Lamark and his three-co-leaders are eager to make changes. 

“We are picking new themes and taking ones out that weren’t loved as much as others so that more students will want to come to the games,” Lamark said, who revealed that one of this season’s new themes is neon.

Of the hundreds of students who attend football games, around half stand in the Student Section. During that time, the crowded atmosphere can get intense, making it difficult for all interested students to find a spot.

“We are going to try our best to keep everything under control,” Lamark added.

Clarkson was especially pleased with the turnout for the first two home games.

“We exceeded expectations,” he said, emphasizing not only the size of the section but also the enthusiasm.

One of the lesser noticed contributions of the Student Section is the clean-up that occurs following the conclusion of home games. While the trash can pile up over four quarters, the leaders are encouraging the group to make the job as easy as possible, especially because a crew of North Allegheny custodians is responsible for cleaning the entire stadium.

“We will all be staying after the game to help clean up, but we want to make sure that all students are trying to throw all their trash away and clean after themselves,” Lamark said. 

Above all, the leaders’ focus remains on trying to ensure that all students in attendance can simply enjoy the game.   

“It’s been a great start so far,” Clarkson said.