by: Adison Poole
The Salem Psychos are supposed to add a positive aspect to games, but lately the Psychos have seemed to add more negativity to the events.
For years GS has had a group of students known as the Salem Psychos who are responsible for the student section at school sports and events. They oversee and decide the themes and chants at school games such as football, volleyball, hockey and basketball.
The GS student section at the USA themed football game against the Derry Area Trojans.
Photo by: Ava Hardaway
“It’s like being a regular student in the section, the only difference is you might have to get out of your comfort zone and maybe start a chant or create some energy,” senior Chase Kushner said.
Some games tend to have a higher turnout of students than others. Kushner believes that part of the reason for turnout could be the “scheduling and timing of the sport.” Such as football always being on a Friday vs. soccer which takes place during the school week.
“I think there’s higher turnout at certain sports for two reasons,” Kushner said. “One being the record of the team playing and the other is the day the sport falls on.”
Coaches such as GS varsity volleyball coach Mrs. Rachel Brannigan believe that turnout may be higher for those sports because of the implemented themes. Students such as junior Sabrina Kasic feel more encouraged to come when they can play along with the themes.
“I love themes,” Kasic said. “I always try to show up when there’s a fun theme.”
The themes for these sports are something the coaches and players can decide as well. For certain games there are specific themes such as Pink Out for breast cancer awareness or White Out for Homecoming.
“I’m a big fan of the themes and seeing the students come together to cheer each other on,” Mrs. Brannigan said. “We had shirts made for the student section all year long even when we didn’t have themes planned.”
While the themes are meant to add to the game, players have said themes, and the student section overall, can be a distraction during a game. Junior Anna Shevchik, who is a member of the varsity volleyball team, claims the student section can be “obnoxious” from time to time.
“It’s nice when they actually cheer,” Shevchik said. “But most of the time they are just nagging at the opposing team.”
While the student section is supposed to be a group of students who help create a positive environment at games, teachers and athletes have said at times the students have added a negative aspect to the game.
“The big thing is cheering for your team,” special education teacher Mr. Steven Saunders said. “Students shouldn’t necessarily be cheering against the other team; you’re not allowed to single out an induvial player or chant against the other team.”
Students are encouraged to cheer and root for their teams; however, students shouldn’t be cheering negatively against the opposing team. Before every game the Sportsmanship Announcement is read to everyone in attendance, and it clearly states what is considered appropriate behavior for the game that is about to begin.
The P.I.A.A sportsmanship announcement states, “We ask that all fans show respect for yourself, those around you, and the participants by cheering for your team and not against your opponent.”
Students and parents are made aware of the “rules” for the game and are instructed to follow them throughout the entirety of the game. Teachers such as Mr. Saunders have claimed that for the most part he feels that the students add a positive aspect to the game, parents of players have expressed these same thoughts and said they even quite enjoy the student section at times.
“I have not heard any complaints about the students,” volleyball booster president Mrs. Amy Townsend said. “In fact, I feel the student section brings energy and excitement to the games, especially when the score is close.”
The student section is intended to be a positive thing at GS and for the most part people have said they believe it is. Teachers such as Saunders have just expressed that he hopes things will “remain positive” in the future.
“I’ve been a coach, I’ve been an official and I’ve been an athlete,” Saunders said. “I know that the best games I’ve been at were ones with a great student section.”
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