Why are high school sports so serious?

High school sports are so serious. Actually, a more apt word to describe the atmosphere is dramatic, and for many reasons.

Junior varsity sports hardly are given a fourth of the attention that varsity games receive. Those who compete on the varsity teams – even as juniors – are subjected to heavy criticism from their peers and friends.

Additionally, there exists the battle between teammates for playing time, turning relationships into rivalries on and off the court/field.

The superfans are every bit of out of control, with their exuberant amounts of pre-planned shenanigans, organized chanting, dancing, gymnastics and costumes. Supporters flock to the respective home and away games of our school to bask in the glow of upsets and victories. They brush defeats off their shoulders with a pit stop at McDonald's on the way home and a good night’s sleep.

Perhaps it’s the fans that make the sports so serious. A serious following helps the athletes feel a bigger sense of school pride.