friday night lights tradition: a fan favorite

By: Meredith Neely

With the football season well underway, and Covid held at bay, many students at Glenelg are enjoying congregating and celebrating with classmates outside the confines of the classroom setting.

There may be no better example of student spirit than what’s on display at Friday Night Lights, an event where many join to tailgate, enjoy the student section with friends, and cheer on the varsity football team after a long week of hype and excitement.

​“It really is a totally different environment in the crowd,” said Samantha Conrad, a junior who frequents most of the home football games. “Everyone is dressed up, having fun, and hyping each other up - it really is fun in there.”

There are many types of people that join in on the Friday night fun, ranging from the excitement of the themed student section, to the more reserved Coliseum hill. Many come to enjoy the intense atmosphere, especially during important rival games, such as this past week's homecoming Elgard Cup.

“The environment is really entertaining,”  said junior Anna Shapely. “The student section is wild to watch from the outside.”

Junior Cole Bruner, who plays percussion in the marching unit agrees with the entertainment value that Friday Night Lights provides. 

“I really enjoy playing - it’s always a rush after I perform,” he said. “I love performing for the school every game. Nothing beats it!”

Whether it is the exciting atmosphere that brings students together or the future memories made, Friday Night Lights is an experience that most look forward to during their high school years. Some even have been going to games for years, before they ever attended Glenelg.

“I could hang out with my friends outside of school since there were no real opportunities to go to something like that, and I enjoyed going to them,” said junior Laurel Kutz, who attended games when she was a student at Glenwood Middle School.

With many students being attendees of the games for years, these outings mean something special. Many bring their parents, siblings, and friends to enjoy the games with them. 

Schools throughout Howard County offer similar experiences, though each is certainly unique to each location. 

“It’s so energetic here,” said junior Jimmy Kapinos, varsity football player. “It makes our team feel and play better knowing that the students are behind us.”

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