Ready to prove you truly bleed blue for the Sturgis Storm? Then the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) may have a challenge just for you. The MIAA has announced the second annual Battle of the Fans, a contest that asks students to create videos showcasing school spirit and positive sportsmanship.
Last year the Franklin High’s student fan section “Rattle City” was the first place winner. Their submission highlighted enthusiastic fans dressed in blue and white fashion chanting creative cheers in unison at a variety of boys’ and girls’ athletic events and erupting with enthusiasm at their teams’ successes. The music, cheers, and visuals supported their assertion that Rattle City is the “extra man on the field/court” and “the main source of energy at games.” South Hadley finished in second place followed by Hopedale Junior/Senior High. The 2015 winning video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyJ1KKLwIUo
This year participating schools are again tasked with creating a video of no more than three minutes that includes thirty seconds about why your school has the best fans. Videos must be posted on YouTube prior to the deadline of April 15, 2016. Videos will be evaluated by members of the MIAA Sportsmanship Committee on originality of cheers, student body participation, school spirit, positive sportsmanship and organization. The top three winning schools will receive a school spirit banner. In addition, the first place winning school will receive 100 spirit t-shirts. For more information, visit the MIAA website at www. miaa.net