Many students and staff at Lincoln say they noticed a sharp rise in school spirit during the 2025-26 football season. Paris Johnson, a sophomore on the cheer team, noticed not only the bigger crowds in the stands, but also that groups like band and leadership are showing up to the games more often than last year.
“This year, the band has been coming to the games [more often than last year], more flock leaders have been coming and just more kids and students in general,” said Johnson.
Johnson believes this is due to the football team winning more than in previous years.
“Our team has gotten better, our school has gotten better and the support of our school system has gotten better,” said Johnson.
The packed stands have been a boost for Lincoln’s football team.
Sophomore Azure Forristal, a JV volleyball player, and junior Brayden Deal, a JV soccer player, say that for varsity games the stands don’t have many spectators, with only close friends or family showing up.
“The football JV and varsity teams showed up only for the first set during one of the games,” said Forristal. “There are not many people who come to games, besides maybe opening night.”
“No one shows up for JV [volleyball]. Only parents come for JV games. But for varsity, there aren’t really any fans,” said Deal. “I mean of course for the opening game and maybe senior night, but barely anyone shows up to them.”
Athletes who play sports in winter and spring also wonder if they will see increased support from fans. Junior Liam Smith, who attends various sports and plays on two Lincoln teams, doubts it.
“Because I play for lacrosse and racquetball teams, the chances of having students show up to the extent [they do] to football games is likely zero,” said Smith.
Smith would love to see more student fans at his games.
“When my friends or family come to my games, [it] makes me feel more like I’m at home and gives me that surge of energy,” said Smith.
Spirit Director and leadership teacher Kim Worsham said she is hopeful that the increase in student spirit will change this year, as flock leaders work for a more sup- portive environment. She added that the energy from the eager freshmen and loud seniors will likely help increase attendance this year
“I’m hoping that we will see the same attendance [at games of other sports]. I know from a leadership class standpoint, and the executive flock leaders and spirit reps that they are responsible for continuing the spirit throughout the year. And it really depends on keeping people engaged and also including others and their thoughts on fun activities, and how we can inspire people to want to come to the events,” said Worsham.
Lincoln has various sporting events happening in the next couple of weeks, includ- ing: varsity girls basketball vs Century on Dec. 11 and boys and girls swim PIL meet
@ Dishman Community Center on Dec. 17. Show up and show out!
