From cowboy hats to grass skirts, this year’s football themes bring Wakeland students together with school spirit and creativity.
STUCO and cheerleaders say themes are carefully chosen to maximize fun while they boost camaraderie in the stands.
“We gather the team for the new season and get feedback from them – which themes they like, which themes they don’t like, new ideas,” Varsity Cheer Coach Stein said.
Finding inspiration is a team effort, often sparked by social media.
“Creative minds, Tiktok, Instagram, all kinds of social media are helpful to find new ideas,” Coach Stein said.
Beyond creativity, themes hold a deeper meaning.
“I would say that the themes help us come together – especially themes like orange out. When our student section goes all out in Wakeland orange, it is like an attack on the other team,” Coach Stein said.
Senior Harper Sudomir, a co-leader of the Spirit Surge committee, explained how cheerleaders also support the process. “We sat down and came up with outfits to dress up to contribute to the themes STUCO made up,” Harper said.
To make sure every student engages, cheerleaders spread the word around campus and online.
“We hang posters around the school of the themes for each week, and post on social media so everyone sees,” Harper said.
Both leaders emphasized that themes aren’t just about outfits—they directly impact the energy of the crowd and players.
“I feel like it impacts the team spirit because dressing up is so fun and we all come together with the student body and all dress up together,” Harper said.
Big games in past seasons have shown how powerful themes can be when everyone participates.
“I think [the] white out theme [was really good] because that was the Lone Star game and all the students, cheerleaders, and football players wore white,” Harper said.
To keep school spirit alive this season, both Coach Stein and Harper encouraged students not to hold back.
“Be ridiculous! You aren’t in it alone, so have fun with your fellow students. The more engaged you are, the more fun it will be!” Coach Stein said.
“I’d say just don’t be embarrassed because everyone does it,” Harper said. “And you look silly if you’re the only one not dressed up.”
