Chants thunder overhead. The crowd leans forward in anticipation. All at once, earsplitting screams tear through the stands. Victory for Liberty!

It’s safe to say that nearly everyone has seen the “Cram the Stands”, or CtS, posters scattered throughout the hallways. Whether they advertise a boys swim and dive meet or a girls basketball game, many sports teams choose to participate in this renowned tradition.

As the head coach of one such team, Liberty wrestling coach Chris Harlin is in full support of CtS.

“In my opinion, Cram the Stands is about rallying the student body to support the Liberty community,” Harlin said. “Wrestling is a sport that requires a huge commitment. Any event that gives the team a chance to show off all their hard work is a lot of fun.”

The question is, are Cram the Stands actually successful at raising support for Liberty’s sports teams?

“We could always be better about advertising the events and encouraging more people to attend,” Liberty ASB advisor Michelle Munson said. “We haven’t pushed hard this year for attendance because we have empathy for how people need to take care of themselves during COVID-19. Attending sporting events may not be comfortable for some.”

Although this may decrease attendance, peer support goes a long way toward making CtS events memorable for coaches and athletes alike.

“It is a fun tradition that promotes school spirit. I believe it demonstrates the unique bond our student body feels with our boys basketball program,” Liberty boys basketball coach Omar Parker said. “Most importantly, it demonstrates how connected and supportive our Liberty students can be, not just of athletics, but all clubs and programs.”

Fortunately, athletes are not the only ones with something to look forward to. Senior Shea Mulqueeney makes an effort to attend as many Cram the Stands as she can. 

“It gives the players energy, and it’s a really fun environment to be a part of. It makes students and athletes feel like a community,” Mulqueeney said. “For me, Cram the Stands are almost like a stress reliever because it’s something fun to do besides school. You get to see all your peers in a different environment.”

Mulqueeney is not alone in her beliefs.

“It definitely makes our players and coaches feel acknowledged for all their sacrifices and time spent at their craft,” Parker said. “It is always a fun night, and everyone who attends leaves feeling they are part of something perhaps bigger than themselves.”

In fact, “bigger” is a fitting word to describe this year’s Cram the Stands. Just this winter season, numerous ASB students, including Mulqueeney and senior Ashley Kirschner, claim to have seen an increase in student participation in CtS events.

“It is always my hope we can fill the stands at these events because I want our athletes to know they are celebrated by their peers.” Munson said.

In the end though, it is up to the student body to determine whether or not Liberty High School will achieve this goal. Will Liberty actually “Cram the Stands?”