Article by Jenna Jochum
Norfolk comes off to many other schools as a school/athletic department that is too small to compete at the class A level, but what many Norfolk athletes have that only a few from other schools have is a great heart and pride for the school that they play for and the name that the athletes wear across their chest. At any home or away, Norfolk fans always have a high attendance number for any sport in any season. A great deal of energy can come from the sidelines from players, but there is another feeling and boost of energy that many get when they hear the crowd cheering for the Norfolk Panthers.
Representing Norfolk High and the community is something that many students take pride in doing at NHS; whether students are doing it through athletics, fine arts, clubs, or in the classroom, being a part of this school in any way possible is something not everyone gets to experience. The coaches/teachers are what make the programs what they are. I asked teacher and coach, Tom Olson, "What makes coaching at Norfolk High so special?" He said the answer was easy: "This is the fourth school in which I have coached. The answer to this question is multifaceted: 1) The community support is the best in the state; not just the people associated with the school, but everyone in community comes together to follow and support the Panthers. 2) The parents are not only supporting and understanding, but they are willing to go to great lengths to help out with projects that are team related, and they are appreciative of anything that we do as a team for their collective sons. 3) Administration is very understanding and supportive as well as being willing to step in and help in any situations that we need aid for. 4) The coaching staff at Norfolk is one of the most closely knitted sports bodies in the state of Nebraska. Not just the high school staff, but the entire football staff through 7-12 grades. Also, coaches from other sports and seasons are as supportive as they are for their own sports. 5) Finally, the young men that I get to work with on a daily basis keep me young, motivated, excited, and appreciative of my opportunity to be a part of such a special program, school, and community in general."
When stepping out onto the field or court, there is already an adrenaline rush, but something about the atmosphere that the fans provide, makes it all a little more special.
"The fan base is definitely a momentum booster. It increases our team's confidence knowing that we have a whole community supporting us. Any opponents that we face have never experienced anything quite like it. It is something that makes Norfolk High very special," Lane McCallum, junior, said.
The fans and parents may provide a big momentum booster, but our school's "Panther Posse" and Pep Band section deserve a huge reward as well. Norfolk High's "Panther Posse" helps contribute in many different ways around Norfolk High. Though the posse is ran by a select few a people, there are meetings every Wednesday of a home game to discuss the themes of each game for anyone to express their ideas to group. To some, their chants may seem a bit on the rude side, but Norfolk High's Panther Posse's main intent is to help maintain or gain momentum. With one whole section of stands being filled for every home game, they know how to take the show on the road; a drive to Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, or even North Platte will not stop the fans from supporting the kids and game that many love. Norfolk High's Pep Band contains a lot of enthusiasm and always provide the school's fight song whether a win or loss. To some it may just be another song, but for others, it a sense of pride that people from the Norfolk community have for the school, the game, and the team.
Senior Kaylani Pekny, described Norfolk High as "a one of a kind" kind of place. "One of the best parts about playing sports for Norfolk High is definitely all the support you get from the fans/parents. There is no other atmosphere that compares to game day at Norfolk High with all the hundreds of people cheering you on. They travel everywhere, which is super awesome. You can always count on the "visitor" section being filled with Norfolk fans anytime we play away.....I love our school and I would not want to play for any other school," Pekny, said.
There is no other place like Norfolk High School!
See this article (and others) in the November Norfolk Newspaper!
